#anyways I’m betting it now suitcase is gonna win

[deadsquidstudios]

Also the way they started glitching after Cobs told them they were created by MePhone makes me think that the key to defeating Cobs will be a literal case of having to believe in oneself.

Knife and Suitcase have started to doubt the validity of their own existences and that’s why they started glitching. When really, it doesn’t matter how they came to be. They can think and feel. They’re just as real as Cobs or Tyler (anybody remember him lol?). Remember, Cogito Ergo Sum. I think, therefore I am.

If you think you’re real, then you’re real, because you’re able to think. It’s as simple as that here.

[leiascully]

Smutty fic prompt? Established MSR. Mulder and Scully are on a case, Mulder is being serious, Scully is amused but not convinced - and just wants to stay at the hotel and have sex for the week because the case is a total waste of time. Mulder telling her everything he wants to do to her but ultimately rebuffs all advances, and it’s all fun and games because Scully thinks he’d rather chase monsters than put his money where his mouth is. Anyway — he ends up being a man of his word which takes her by surprise

I think this fills your prompt, anon.

9000 words; M/E for sexual situations including pegging; good little agents don't consort while on assignment, but they really, really want to. (ao3 link)

“You’re serious.” She fixed him with a level gaze over the roof of the rental car.

“I’m always serious,” he said, and they both ignored the inherent fallacies in that statement. “Are you serious? You thought I brought you up here to play house?”

“What else was I supposed to think?” She gestured at the forest around them and the quaint bed and breakfast standing in the clearing. “That you brought me up to an adorable B&B on the wooded shores of Lake Champlain for a week to hunt another sea monster no one’s ever actually seen?”

“There have been over 300 eyewitness reports of a snake-like creature in the lake, dating back to the Iroquois,” Mulder told her. “That doesn’t even include the latest series of reports. I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to investigate it.”

“First of all,” she said, “your last lake monster ate my dog.”

“It wasn’t my lake monster,” he muttered.

“Second of all,” she said, fixing him with a steely eye, “last time you took me on a trip that was so obviously a wild goose chase, we hadn’t yet escalated our relationship. So yes, Fox, I thought you brought me here to play house.”

He raised an eyebrow. “We’re back to Fox?”

“I think I’ve earned the right to use your first name now and again.” She smirked. “After all, I’ve been inside you.”

To her surprise, he blushed.

“How many rooms did you get?”

She heard his feet shuffle. He wouldn’t look at her. “Two.”

She sighed. “Lake monster.”

“Lake monster that’s been frightening tourists,” he said. He came around the car and stood a little too close to her, the way he always did. “The tourism bureau asked around. Someone told them we were the people to solve their problem.”

She leaned against the car and tipped her head back to look at him. “Two rooms.”

“Come on, Scully,” he said in a low voice that made her tingle. “You know the people in finance already share our expense reports around. I want to win the betting pool.”

“And what will you do with your thousands?” she teased.

He shifted even closer. She felt her lips part in anticipation as he leaned down, but he skimmed past her mouth to whisper in her ear: “Take you on a real vacation.”

She reached out past the loose lapels of his suit jacket and hooked her finger into the waist of his trousers. “You better.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He stepped back, taking her with him like they were dancing. They’d always been dancing, she thought. Two steps forward, three steps back, but rarely entirely out of sync. He reached behind him to pop the trunk and pulled out her suitcase, pretending to strain against the weight of it. “Maybe you won’t need this many clothes for our vacation.”

“Hmm,” she said, “maybe I’ll bring something less bulky than a suit.”

“You could wear one of those little t-shirts,” he suggested. “Some cutoff jean shorts.” He paused, clearly caught up in an intriguing possibility. “You could wear my boxers.”

She smiled at him. “Maybe even something more abbreviated than that.”

He dropped his voice even more. “Scully, are you holding out on me? Do you own lingerie I haven’t seen?”

She leaned into him, slipping her fingers further into his trousers to graze the elastic of his boxers under his shirttail. “I guess you’re not gonna find out this week.”

He groaned.

She gave her fingers one last wiggle and extracted them from his waistband. He heaved his own suitcase out of the trunk and closed it. They trundled their luggage along the brick path and up the stairs. She looked at him one last time as they stood on the porch in front of the lobby windows.

“Two rooms?”

“Don’t worry, Scully,” he murmured. “I’m sure I’ll be able to hear you through the wall.”

Heat flooded her body as he opened the door and ushered her in with one hand at the small of her back. This time, she didn’t mind that he’d gotten the last word.

+ + +

When they were checked in and settled, she went to his room and sat on the bed. All the furniture in the place seemed to be charmingly mismatched antiques. Mulder’s bed had four posters and it creaked picturesquely when she shifted her weight. “Tell me about our suspect.”

“Champ?”

She sighed and rubbed her hand over her face. “Of course it’s called Champ.”

“We’re dealing with a protected species here, Scully.” Mulder leaned against his dresser. He’d taken off his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves. “The lake was declared a safe haven for its resident monster in 1981. In 1984, 58 different people claim to have seen Champ. Early reports declared it to resemble an enormous serpent with the head of a sea horse, a white star on its forehead, and a band of red around its extremely long neck.” He stepped forward to pass her a fuzzy copy of a photograph. She studied it. “This is the Mansi photograph. No one’s ever been able to debunk it, but Sandra Mansi destroyed the negative, so nobody’s ever been able to authenticate it either.”

“Naturally.” She got up and went to the window. The lake was visible as a blue glint through the trees. “And what crimes has Champ perpetrated?”

“Overturning small watercraft, biting fish off people’s lines, that kind of thing.” He joined her at the window. “No human casualties.”

She let her shoulder brush his chest. “So what are we doing here? It doesn’t sound like there’s anything for us to investigate. If anything, this level of activity would draw in tourists and benefit businesses like this one. The loss of a fish here and there seems negligible.”

“No human casualties yet,” he said, “but there have been reports of people feeling something large brush against them in an area where there was no underwater debris.”

“Are there fish in the lake?”

“Big ones,” he said. “Sturgeon and gar, for starters.”

She gestured. “Ta da. There’s your suspect.”

“Neither sturgeon nor gar are capable of disappearing multiple swimmers and boaters.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “You never lead with the most pertinent information.”

“Impertinence is my middle name.” His eyes twinkled as he grinned at her.

“I think I read that in your file.” She turned to face him. “So what are we supposed to do about it?”

“We do what we do. Dredge the truth up from the depths.”

She looked longingly at the bed. “Wouldn’t local law enforcement be better at this? We know nothing about the area.”

“Local law enforcement hasn’t turned up anything.” He sat on the bed and took her hands, drawing her close to stand between his knees. “Help them, Scully-Wan Kenobi. You’re their only hope.”

She softened, gazing down at him. By default, they’d become two of the foremost experts in American cryptozoology, and their solve rate on missing persons cases was the envy of the Bureau. Maybe it was Mulder’s intuition; maybe it was her eye for detail. She couldn’t deny that their expertise was unparalleled in cases like this, paranormal or not. “I want a nice vacation after this.”

“I promise.” He raised her hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

“And not to Loch Ness.”

He laughed, soft and low. “I promise that too.” He looked up at her and his eyes were like a forest fire. The blaze in them kindled an answering flame in her belly. “I’ll make it up to you.”

She pouted a little. “How?”

“Very, very slowly.” He licked his lips, making his meaning clear. Scully squirmed and he pressed his knees into her hips, pinning her there.

“Did we ever decide if we can consort during a case?”

“Go against the regulations?” He turned her hands over and rubbed his cheek with its incipient stubble over the soft skin of her wrist. “Why, Agent Scully, it’s like you don’t even know me.”

She curled her fingers around his jaw and ran her thumb over his lips. “And if we solve this thing tomorrow?”

He lifted one shoulder. “Then I guess I’m buying plane tickets and you’re buying lingerie.”

“This B&B could be haunted,” she suggested. “Then we’d have to stay and investigate.”

He squinted up at her fondly. “Why didn’t I know you were susceptible to the charms of creaky floors, Scully?”

“Maybe you don’t know me very well.” She tilted her head, challenging him to challenge the patent absurdity of the statement.

“Then I’d like to know you better,” he said in a voice like velvet. Damn him, he always understood exactly how to disarm her.

“Not until we solve this,” she scolded him, and stepped away. “I’m going to freshen up.”

“Hey, Scully?” he said from the bed.

“Hmm?” She turned in the doorway to face him.

“How big a box of condoms do you think the drugstore will sell me?”

She thought for a moment. “I don’t know, but buy two.”

She heard him exhale in a rush as she slipped out the door.

+ + +

As it turned out, they shared a bathroom. She’d been too distracted to think about the geography of it when she’d glimpsed the door in his room. The B&B was an old house with a lot of additions. She doubted there was a true angle in the place. But it was charming. There was a clawfoot bathtub that she was definitely going to get better acquainted with.

She freshened up and changed into her small-town uniform of jeans and a windbreaker. People in places like this often distrusted suits. She’d learned over the years that she needed all the credibility she could get. For some reason, showing up armed with federal credentials and factoids about cryptids didn’t garner much respect.

Mulder was also wearing jeans when she found him downstairs. Scully was suddenly glad he’d cut his hair. If he’d been looking like that with his hair falling over his forehead, she would have dragged him straight back upstairs, and let anyone missing stay missing. His ass, hugged by denim, was a more compelling force than anything previously discovered in her known universe.

Instead, she took the file folder he offered here and spent the drive to the local police station reviewing the details. Behind a thick stack of garbled reports of enormous, half-visible underwater shadows and unexpected friction, she found the reports. Most of the people who’d gone missing had been found a few hours or a day later, including a group of teens who’d been stranded when their boat ran out of gas. Fortunately, they’d been in shouting distance of Burton Island State Park, and someone had spotted them the next morning. There was the occasional death by drowning, but the bodies turned up with marks of predation that didn’t indicate anything bigger than fish. Frankly, Scully didn’t know why most of them were included. A nine-year-old who’d wandered away in search of ice cream and been rediscovered sleeping in his parents’ car didn’t deserve a missing persons report. But it was a small town. Maybe local PD didn’t have much else to do.

There were two people who had disappeared the previous week and hadn’t been found. Both women in their thirties. A place like this would need seasonal workers, but when Scully checked their addresses, they were both townies. Grown and raised here, graduates of the local high school (go Panthers). One worked in an antique shop (of course). One managed an ice cream parlor and its attendant roster of high school employees.

“Just these two actually missing persons?” she asked.

Mulder drummed on the steering wheel. “So far.”

“Mmhmm,” she said. “And you’re sure this isn’t a joke case? Something you dreamed up so we could dillydally on someone else’s dime?”

“This is a legitimate investigation,” he assured her. “Cassy Miller and Naomi Diaz are gone. No one’s seen or heard from them. They were fishing buddies. Their boat was found washed up on shore halfway across the lake with all their tackle in it.”

“I take it this was uncharacteristic behavior.”

He nodded as he flipped on the turn signal. “Neither of them’s missed a day of work in years without a doctor’s note. Never late. Reliable as the sunrise.”

She examined Naomi’s photo. A young-looking thirty-something with dark wavy hair. She was smiling in the photo, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “And now…what, devoured by a mythical creature?”

“It’s a possibility,” Mulder said. “However extreme. The boat wasn’t far from one of the areas where frequent sightings have occurred.”

Scully flipped the page and re-read the sparse details of Naomi’s life. “Allegedly.”

He dipped his head in acknowledgment. It was a familiar push and pull between them. No case would have felt complete without it.

They reached the edges of the town, and then, very quickly, the center. The police station was easy to find. When they walked in, Scully knew jeans had been the right choice. It wasn’t the kind of place a suit would garner any kind of respect.

“Gosh, we will be glad of the help,” said the police chief. Her name tag said Hughes. She seemed earnest enough. “We do stay busy around here during tourist season. Not just people going missing, but petty theft, the occasional fire, all that. A lotta DUIs, if I’m honest.”

“And you’re…experts?” Chief Hughes’ second-in-command was standing in the corner of the room, thumbs hooked into his pockets. “In…Champ?”

“We’ve done extensive work in cryptozoology,” Scully said coolly. “Champ, as you call it, is just one example of a larger clade of hypothetical marine reptiles. If these women were consumed by such a creature, we would be able to verify that predation occurred. If there are other, less fantastic explanations, we’ll find those.” She glanced at Mulder, who was lounging in his chair. “Isn’t that right, Agent Mulder.”

“You took the words right out of my mouth, Agent Scully.” He smiled at the police chief, who blinked back at him, her mouth open just slightly.

He was such a little shit sometimes.

+ + +

They spent the day on the lake. It might have been romantic, if it hadn’t been for the trio of deputies assigned to them. They kept looking at Mulder and Scully, nervous or envious or skeptical or some combination of all three. She was used to it. Big city feds in their sunglasses and windbreakers inspired a variety of interesting feelings in their less cosmopolitan counterparts. She’d seen it all.

“Bet I could bully them into letting me drive the boat,” Mulder whispered to Scully, leaning in so the deputies couldn’t hear them.

“You’d have to dump me in the lake first,” she whispered back.

“And let you get eaten by Champ?” His eyebrows crimped together under his sunglasses in an exaggerated expression of woe. “Scully. I would never.”

“I would,” she told him.

“I accept my fate.” He sat back, stretched his arms along the side of the boat.

The deputies showed them where the boat had been found, the boat, the intact tackle. Scully examined it all dutifully. Mulder examined it less dutifully, gazing out over the water. He had one hand on his hip, the other shading his already shaded eyes. He looked like a statue.

“Does he see something?” one of the deputies asked Scully. Her voice was hushed, almost worshipful.

“I’m sure if he does, he’ll let you know,” Scully told her.

The purported victims’ boat having yielded nothing, the deputies herded their federal charges back onto their own departmental boat. Scully peered into the depths, Mulder’s hand braced on her back. No serpents emerged. There wasn’t so much as the silver flicker of a fish, although that was telling, in its own way. But they’d disturbed the waters with the wake of their boat, coming and going. The fish had fled the limnetic zone because of the noise of the motor, not because of some primordial beast.

Still, it was nice: the sunshine on the water, the convivial throng of tourists on the beaches. She and Mulder talked to the assistant manager at Cassy’s ice cream parlor, a young man clearly flummoxed by his brevet promotion.

“I don’t know,” he said, bewildered. “She’s great. Runs this place - ran this place - really well. I mean it’s hard to deal with a bunch of kids sometimes, right? But she started working here when she was a kid and just never stopped. I don’t know. I don’t know.” He put his face in his hands. Scully patted him on the shoulder, a little gingerly.

Afterward, they got ice cream: strawberry for Scully, butter pecan for Mulder. They carried their windbreakers folded inside out over their arms to hide their credentials. They might have been anyone. They walked along the lake shore and he smiled down at her and they could have been an ordinary couple. The sunshine gleamed on his skin and brought out gold flecks in the green of his eyes. She couldn’t stop looking at his mouth.

“What?” He licked his lips exaggeratedly. “Ice cream?”

She shook her head.

“Then what?”

She squinted up at him. “You’re just really pretty sometimes.”

“Sometimes?”

She smiled. “Sometimes.”

“Well, you’re really pretty all the time.” He bumped her with his arm. “And that’s my professional opinion, by the way. I’ve been working on your profile a long time. I don’t want to brag, but I’m known for my powers of observation.”

“That’s not what profiling is,” she said sternly.

He tilted his head at her. “Sometimes.”

She huffed: not a laugh, not a sigh, but happy. “Sometimes.”

+ + +

They got dinner at a little restaurant. The fish was fresh, the coleslaw was crisp, and the fries were hot. There was homemade pie on the menu and Scully indulged in that too. If she couldn’t have Mulder, she was going to treat herself in other ways. It had cooled off by the time they finished dinner. Scully shrugged her windbreaker on. On the drive back to the B&B, they rolled down the windows of the rental car.

“This is summer,” Mulder said with satisfaction. “T-shirts in the afternoon, sweaters in the evening.”

“Not like DC,” Scully said. She put her arm out the window and spread her fingers to feel the breeze push through them.

“Not like DC,” Mulder agreed. “Unless you like being wrapped in a wet wool blanket.”

Scully let her head loll over on the headrest, gazing at him. “I can think of other things I’d rather be wrapped in.”

Mulder flicked his eyes at her. “Or maybe you’d rather be unwrapped?”

“Maybe I would.” She tipped her hand so the breeze washed over it. “But someone put a note on me that says ‘Do not open until Christmas’.”

“Not until Christmas, Scully,” he said, amusement in his voice. “Just until we’ve wrapped the case.”

“Wrapping begets unwrapping. I see.”

“A little motivation for us,” he suggested.

“You know, I always thought that I’d be the one who insisted we separate work and play,” Scully mused.

He chuckled. “I did too. Turns out you’re not the good girl you play on tv, Agent Scully.”

She wished that didn’t send a little thrill through her. “Aren’t you glad I’m not?”

“Desperately,” he said, with a raspy edge to his voice that sent another frisson up her spine. He pulled into the little lot of the B&B and turned the car off, then slung his arm over the steering wheel and turned to her. “Don’t think I wouldn’t unwrap you right now, Scully.”

“Haven’t we paid enough cleaning fees to the rental agency?” she said, leaning toward him just a little. Mulder’s event horizon extended too far - she’d been pulled in unexpectedly so many times.

“Not for this.” His voice strummed a chord inside her. “Variety is the spice of life, Scully.”

“Uh huh.” She tipped her chin up. “And what would you do with me, if you unwrapped me in this rental car?”

“Obviously, I’d start with kissing,” Mulder told her. “I’m a gentleman. I’d never jump right in unless you asked for it.”

“Mmhmm,” Scully said.

“Oh, sorry, I misspoke,” Mulder said. His eyes glinted. “I meant I wouldn’t jump right in unless you begged for it.”

Scully licked her lips. “And under what circumstances do you think I’d beg for it?”

“If I kissed your neck for long enough, you might,” he said. She was staring at his mouth, half-hypnotized. “That spot behind your ear. If I put you on my lap and played with your tits and you could feel how much I wanted you.”

“I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I’ve always considered myself to be a stubborn person. I don’t think that would do it.”

“Maybe if I stretched you out in the backseat. Braced myself over you. Stroked my way up the inside of your thigh,” he suggested. “Never quite touching exactly where you wanted. I’d use my hands, my leg. Maybe my lips. Just teasing until you can’t stand it any longer.”

“Mulder.”

“Yeah?”

“Is that what you were doing for the past seven years?”

“Metaphorically,” he said, twinkling at her. His eyes were dark. “Are you ready to beg?”

She leaned forward, her lips nearly touching his. “Good night, Mulder.” She climbed out of the car and left him in the dark surrounded by the song of crickets.

+ + +

Later, in bed by herself, she touched herself just like he’d imagined, drawing her fingertips up the soft skin to brush her curls over and over until she was shivering with need. She didn’t stifle her cries. When she finally dragged her thumb over her clit, she said his name. She thought she heard a groan from the other side of the wall.

She was glad it was a small B&B. That meant fewer eavesdroppers. The other guests all seemed to be adults, at least. Maybe their vacations would be improved by this kind of soundtrack. It was her turn to be the one gasping in her tangled covers, even if she was doing it alone.

+ + +

The next day, she fell in the lake.

They’d borrowed the boat and the deputies again. Mulder was studying a map of the lake. It was all marked up with places of particular interest. Maybe that’s what he’d been doing while she was raking just the edges of her nails up the crease of her thigh.

“Right down there,” he said, peering over the gunwale. “There’s a deep spot. Maybe that’s where its den is.”

“Its den?” Scully said, joining him. “Doesn’t it have to breathe? Or is that part of the myth?”

“There could be pockets of air underwater,” Mulder said. “An intricate system of caves. Or maybe it can hold its breath.” He turned to look at her. Scully glanced over his shoulder. The deputies were watching them breathlessly. “Some whales can hold their breath for hours. Maybe Champ can too.”

“Maybe something cold-blooded needs less oxygen,” she said. “It might have a slower metabolism. And the red band around its neck - that could be a primitive system of gills. That could allow it to stay underwater, even in the benthic zone.”

“I love it when you come out to play,” he murmured, just quiet enough that the deputies couldn’t hear.

She opened her mouth to reply to him and then the boat rocked on a huge swell of water and she went over the gunwale before she could reach for the railing.

“Scully!” Mulder shouted, and grabbed for her, but she was past the point of no return and his grip on her ankle just meant she banged her side hard on the boat as she splashed into the water. It was cold in the lake. She was soaked instantly, water pouring into her shoes and down her collar. The current swirled, tugging at her, pulling at her until she couldn’t tell which way was up. Scully opened her eyes. She was deeper than she’d thought. The darkness under her rippled. She kicked toward the surface. Mulder was reaching toward her almost as soon as her head broke the water. He and one of the deputies hauled her into the boat while the other two braced themselves against the other gunwale.

“Are you okay?” he asked. A deputy passed him a towel and he blotted her face gently with it.

She spit out a bit of lake water and took the towel from him to squeeze water out of her hair. “I lost my sunglasses.”

“Tragic.” He took off his own and settled them on her nose. They were too big and slipped down, but she loved him for it all the same. She patted her pockets. She still had her badge and her wet brick of a phone and her wallet. Fortunately, Mulder had the keys to the rental car.

“Agent Mulder?” said one of the deputies. “What made the boat tip?”

“Heavy wake from another boat,” Scully said automatically. “A gust of wind that created an abnormally large wave. Unregistered seismic activity.”

“Or a lake monster,” Mulder said, still looking her over. Seemingly satisfied with what he found, he turned to the deputies. “What did you see?”

“Nothing,” said one.

“Not a boat big enough to pull that kind of wake,” said another. “You’d need a ferry.”

The last one shuffled her feet. “A shadow,” she said at last. “I think. Maybe nothing.”

Scully coughed. Mulder rubbed her back. He was pressed against her side. Her wet clothes were soaking him, but he didn’t move away. “Sorry to say, Deputy, you’re going to spend a lot of time investigating shadows if you stick with this job.”

The deputy’s brow was furrowed. “Do you think that’s what happened to Cassy and Naomi? A wave? But they could swim. Everyone here can swim.”

“All their gear was still in the boat,” Mulder pointed out. “They fell out and the tackle box didn’t?”

“I guess not.” The deputy looked troubled. “The lake’s too deep to dredge and too big to dive.”

“Then all we can do is our best,” Scully said. She shivered. The sunshine was bright, but the breeze ruffling the water kept it from warming her.

“Let’s get you somewhere where you can dry off,” Mulder said, and the deputies took the hint and powered up the engine.

+ + +

Scully ran a very hot bath in the clawfoot tub. Her clothes had dried a little in transit - they were definitely going to get a cleaning fee for the rental car, and not for any entertaining reasons - but she was still too wet and too cold to be comfortable. She peeled off her clothes and hung them on the towel bar with her damp towel from the boat underneath to catch drips. It was a relief to climb into the steaming foamy bath. She sighed, her whole body relaxing into the warmth as she tipped her head back to rinse her hair.

When she thought of the lake, she got fragments of memory. The breathless moment going overboard. The splash. The cold. The dark. It had only been an hour or two and yet it slipped away from her. She was glad she’d given a report before they’d come back to the B&B. Had there been something looming below her in the darkness? Even in the moment, she hadn’t been sure. Had she been brushed by a tangle of floating weeds? Had the water been agitated by cross-currents from boats speeding over the busy lake?

Had a monster tipped her into the water, or was it a silly mistake on a slippery deck?

She sighed again, sinking into the water up to her chin. For a while she drifted, eyes closed. The window was open for a crossbreeze and the smell of lake and pine mingled dreamily with the lavender scent of the bubble bath. She lay there, imagining the life of a prehistoric creature trapped in the modern world. If there were a monster, what had it seen? How much did it understand about the changes in its habitat? Did it long for the past? Had it eaten Cassy Miller and Naomi Diaz? Had there been other victims?

The adjoining door creaked open. Mulder walked in and knelt by the tub, pillowing his arms on the side.

She opened one eye. “I thought we weren’t consorting while on assignment.”

“We’re not consorting.” He brushed a wet strand of hair off her forehead and resettled his chin on his arms. “We’re conferring.”

She made a skeptical noise. “How collegial of us.” Most of the bubbles had popped, and what remained didn’t provide much modesty. They’d had less-clothed conversations about work, but not many.

“What happened at the lake?” she asked.

“You tell me.” He gazed at her. “You were the one in the drink.”

She pushed herself up a little in the tub so they were face to face. His eyes dropped predictably to her breasts and dragged back up to her face. “A larger-than-average wave rocked the boat. I fell in. There was some kind of current that pulled me further under than would usually result from a fall of such a short distance. I can’t speak to its origin. During my brief time under the water, I thought I saw movement below me, but it could have been anything, Mulder. A shadow. A log.”

“An ancient reptile.” The sun had shifted and the bathroom was draped in shade. What light there was reflected patchily off the bathwater to dapple Mulder’s face. She wondered if there had been a time in her life when she hadn’t known how beautiful he was. She couldn’t remember that either. Her life before Mulder felt somehow insignificant.

“What did you see?” she asked him.

“I only had eyes for you,” he said.

“You’re losing your touch,” she said lightly.

“I’m all right with that.” His eyes searched hers. “As long as you’re all right.”

“I’m fine. I’ve been wet before.” Her lips quirked. “You of all people should know that.”

“I had a suspicion.” He tipped his cheek onto his bicep.

“I have a suspicion of my own,” she said. He raised his eyebrows, inviting her to continue. “Cassy Miller and Naomi Diaz ran away or disappeared through otherwise un-supernatural circumstances.”

“Going out on a limb there, Agent,” Mulder told her. “I don’t know if I can present that kind of wild theory to Skinner.”

“If, and I stress if, there were a mysterious reptile that had been inhabiting this lake for centuries if not millennia, I don’t think it would target humans. We’re too noisy, too fast. Increased activity on the lake would likely drive it deeper, not provoke it.”

“Unless it were desperate,” Mulder said. “A drop in the population of fish. Rising temperatures in the lake.”

“A species would take generations to adapt to the changes that have occurred in the local environment, but this is one hypothetical individual, Mulder. One organism can alter its behavior on a timescale far more rapid.”

He nodded against his arm, just a little. “They were last seen in a boat.”

“So the report says,” Scully said. “But Cassy Miller’s car is missing.”

“There are actually a surprising number of car thefts for a town this size,” Mulder told her. “Something about teens and tourists.”

Scully opened her palm above the water. Her fingers were pruny. “That’s my theory.”

“I respect it,” Mulder said. “But I haven’t decided yet whether I agree.”

“Why am I not surprised.” She cupped water in her hand, let it pour over her breasts. The bubbles sluiced down the slope of her chest, pearling around her nipples. She watched Mulder watch her. His breath caught a little and his pupils darkened. “Are we still conferring, or have we moved on to consorting?”

“You know there’s nothing I want more than to climb into that tub with you,” he said in a low voice.

“I can recommend against wet denim,” she said. “The chafing ruins the mood.” She thought of straddling his lap, feeling the friction of the sodden fabric against her skin, and rubbed her thighs together in anticipation. Up until the chafing, it would be delicious.

“I think I learned my lesson today,” he told her. “No clothes. Just you on top of me, skin on skin. You could take your time. I’d worship your tits.”

“I think your vision ends up with water all over the bathroom floor.” She let her hand drift down her body.

“Worth it.” Hunger flickered in his eyes.

“Is it consorting if I’m pursuing solitary pleasures while we’re discussing a case?” she asked.

He laughed. “If so, we’ve been consorting for years.”

“I knew it,” she said. Her fingers wandered down her belly, strayed lower.

“Fuck, Scully,” he said roughly. “You know I can withstand anything except temptation.”

She toyed with her curls, imagining the slow swell of his erection. He shifted a little on his heels as she pushed her fingers between her folds and stroked slowly. She let her head loll against the porcelain. Her other hand rose to stroke her breast. Mulder took a deep breath and let it out in a slow hiss.

“You know there’s nothing but your own conscience stopping you from getting into this tub.” She arched her back, pushing her breasts out of the water.

“I told you,” he said. “I’m trying to take this seriously. I take you seriously. Everything we’re doing deserves our full attention, Scully. The work. This.” He gestured between them. “Whatever you think about my lake monster theory, there are two women missing. People are worried about them.”

“I know that,” she said, an edge creeping into her voice. Her hands slipped away from their pleasant tasks.

“We crossed a line together,” he said. “I don’t regret it. I’ll never, ever regret it. But there are other lines we shouldn’t cross.”

“You’re the one who keeps telling me all the things we’d be doing if we weren’t working,” she snapped.

“And I mean every word of it.” It sounded like a vow. “When we’re done here, I’m going to fuck you until you can’t remember your name. But we’re not finished.”

“I’m finished.” She toed the stopper out of the train and hauled herself up out of the water, too cranky to finish what she’d started. He rocked back on his heels, looking wounded. “With this bath, Mulder. I’m tired. I’m going to take a nap. Wake me up for dinner.”

“I will,” he said. He handed her an enormous fluffy towel and helped her out of the tub.

“Scully,” he said as she opened the door to her room, and she turned just enough to indicate she was listening. “I’ll make it up to you.”

She went back to her room, dried off, rolled naked into the bed. She was too keyed up to sleep. She rolled onto her stomach and thrust against the ridge of her hand until pleasure spiraled tight within her. She moaned into the pillow, suddenly boneless as release hit her, and drifted into sleep.

+ + +

The rest of their investigation yielded nothing. They dutifully went in each day to work with local law enforcement. They searched a few other areas of the lake. The deputies made Scully wear a life jacket, but there weren’t any other mysterious waves. They followed leads to dead ends. Wherever the women were, they weren’t using credit cards. Cassy Miller’s car was found a few miles away. It wasn’t far from a bus station, Scully noted, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Subsequent trips to the lake produced no evidence of a lake monster or any foul play. No bodies. No torn clothes.

“We’ll keep following up,” Mulder assured the chief of police. “I’ve added their names to our list. If anyone turns up matching their descriptions, we’ll let you know.”

“I appreciate your help.” Chief Hughes shook their hands.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t help more,” Scully told her.

“We’re grateful anyone showed up,” Chief Hughes said. “Not a lot of feds would care about our small-town problems. But two of our own disappear, that’s something we feel here. Like a missing tooth.”

Mulder looked away. Scully clasped Chief Hughes’ hand. “We won’t stop looking.”

Chief Hughes’ smile was watery. “Neither will we.”

+ + +

“I thought the breakfast at the B&B was excellent,” Mulder said as they walked to their gate at the airport. “Those scones were homemade.”

“The beds were also excellent.” Scully glanced up at him. “At least, mine was. I can’t speak to the quality of any other accommodations.”

“I’d stay there again,” he said. “Recreationally.”

“Oh? Are you seeing someone?”

He stopped suddenly in the middle of the passageway. She stopped too and looked at him curiously. He took her face between his hands and kissed her. It was profound. It was passionate. It was making her weak in the knees in the middle of a fucking airport. She put her hands on his waist to steady herself.

“It wasn’t because this is a secret, Scully,” he said. “I’d get your name tattooed in five inch letters on my ass tomorrow if that’s what you wanted.”

“I know.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I know. The work matters. It was just weird not to be on the same page.”

“It was,” he agreed. His eyes searched her face and he smiled at whatever he saw there. “Should we go home?”

“Are you conferring with me in a professional context, Agent Mulder?”

He shook his head, the smile turning into a grin. “I’m not interested in your professional opinion at this time, Agent Scully.”

“Then yes, we should go home.”

He slung his arm around her shoulders as they walked and she leaned into him.

+ + +

In the DC airport, Scully caught a glimpse of curly hair and a familiar profile. “Naomi,” she said quietly to herself, and then louder. “Naomi!”

The woman turned, blanched, tried to push through a crowd. Scully swore. It was the suits. It was always the suits. Scully pursued, Mulder at her heels.

“Naomi! You’re not in trouble. We just want to talk.”

Naomi turned at last, eyes bright but her chin held high. She was clutching the hand of a blonde woman Scully had seen in a dozen photographs.

“Naomi Diaz,” Mulder drawled. “Cassy Miller.”

“How do you know our names?” Naomi demanded.

“We’ve been looking for you.” Scully showed them her badge. “Police Chief Hughes called the Bureau to follow up on a missing persons report.”

“And here you are, remarkably unmissing,” Mulder said. He was enjoying himself too much for someone who had been completely wrong, Scully thought.

“We shouldn’t have left the way we did,” Naomi said. Her mouth trembled. “I know that. But we couldn’t stay.”

“Why not?” Scully asked, and then looked again at the women’s clasped hands and understood.

Cassy stepped in front of Naomi without letting go. “It’s a small town, ma’am. Everybody knows everybody there. The kids at my store, I watched them grow up. I babysat half of them. Their parents are the older siblings of the kids I went to high school with. If I changed shampoo brands, the whole town would know by the end of the week.”

“I see.” Scully put her hands in her pockets. A week looking for two women and no one had mentioned they were lovers. The picture drew itself.

“I have loved this woman for a decade and everyone pretends they don’t know that,” Cassy said fiercely. “They just look right past me. It’s almost worse than if they were hateful.”

“It was like we were already dead,” Naomi put in. “We can’t get married. Landlords kept losing our application when we tried to get an apartment together. So it seemed easy. Everybody knows that people get drunk and stupid on the lake and nobody ever sees them again.”

“We read the reports,” Mulder told them. “Nobody in that town thought either of you would be drunk or stupid.”

“It was better than staying,” Cassy said in a firm voice. “Now we can start over. We can have a life that’s real. I’m thirty-two years old. I can’t spend the rest of my life playing pretend. Not about her.”

“They think you were eaten by the lake monster,” Scully told them.

Cassy laughed. “Champ? That’s just a legend.”

“No, it’s not,” Naomi muttered.

Scully exchanged a look with Mulder. “Regardless,” Scully said smoothly, “I think in this case, we can file a report saying that all evidence was inconclusive.” She paused. “Being eaten by a lake monster isn’t the worst way to go.”

Mulder was scribbling on a piece of paper. He passed it to Cassy. “Go to this address. The attendant in the Metro can show you the best stop. Tell them Mulder sent you. They’re weird guys, but they’ll help you.”

“And that’s it?” Naomi asked. “You’re not going to turn us in?”

“Leaving town isn’t a crime,” Scully told her. She started to turn away, and then turned back. “This may sound strange but…it’s never too late to start living the life you want. For what it’s worth, I think you’re both brave.”

“Thank you,” Cassy said.

Scully nodded and walked away with Mulder at her shoulder. They were quiet as they picked up their backs at the luggage carousel. She said nothing as they got into Mulder’s car. She waited until they had exited the airport road and merged onto the highway.

“Mulder?”

“Hmm?”

“I told you so.”

+ + +

He parked in front of her apartment and carried her bag in for her. “What a gentleman,” she started to say, but before she could get the words out, he was pressing her into the door, his hot mouth descending on hers. She tugged at his lip with her teeth and then surrendered, opening her mouth to the insistent slide of his tongue. Their hands tangled trying to get to each other’s buttons. But finally, fucking finally, his hands were on her bare tits and she was digging her nails into his back. She could feel his erection against her belly. She cupped it with her palm and he groaned.

“Fuck, Scully.”

She dragged his head down and nipped at his ear. “Time to put your money where your very active mouth is, Mulder.”

“Anything you want,” he promised.

“Tease me,” she said. “Worship me.”

He pressed his body into hers, fumbling at the closure of her skirt. After a moment he gave up and just pushed it over her hips. His hands ghosted over her skin, barely touching, until her nerves crackled and fizzed like a plasma globe. By the time his thumb traced up the damp gusset of her underwear, she was almost panting.

“What do you want, Scully?” he whispered, his tongue flicking at the shell of her ear.

“I want to give it to you,” she gasped. His hips jolted against her and she moaned.

He bit gently at her shoulder. “I’m confused but very turned on.” His thumb grazed her underwear again and she arched into the touch for a moment. It was difficult to wriggle out from between his body and the door, but she had the fuel of a week’s worth of frustration. He followed her, shedding his pants as they slid off his hips.

She dragged her suitcase into the bedroom and tipped it onto the floor. She unzipped it and pulled out a bundle of straps wrapped around a slender purple dildo.

“That was in your suitcase the whole time?” he said from the doorway.

“I thought it was a different kind of trip,” she told him. She shook out the straps; they resolved into a harness. The dildo fit neatly into it. She’d practiced assembling it. There was no fumbling here. She shed her skirt but didn’t bother with her underwear, stepping into the harness and buckling it tight.

“I thought you were going to be the one begging,” he said, sauntering closer. “Looks like you’ve turned the tables on me again.”

“Say ‘please’,” she told him.

He knelt in front of her, gazing up her body. As she looked down at him, he lapped slowly at the head of the dildo. She shuddered at the way his eyes closed in pleasure. He opened them again and stared up at her. “Please.”

“Clothes off. Get on the bed.” She ducked into the bathroom and grabbed a towel. He caught it when she tossed it and spread it under his hips. “You’ve done this before?”

“Not in a while,” he admitted. “I didn’t know if you’d be into it.”

“It’s got more reach than my fingers,” she said. “And honestly, Mulder, I’ve wanted to fuck you speechless for years.”

“Is that a challenge?” His eyes gleamed.

“It’s a promise,” she said, pulling a latex glove out of her suitcase and snapping it on.

She took her time preparing him. A single finger up his ass in the heat of passion was different from the dildo, even if it was the smallest of the set she’d bought. He lay on his belly on the bed. She knelt between his legs, pushing his thighs wide with her knees. The marks of her nails were pink half-moons up and down his back. She liked seeing them: proof he was hers.

She worked him open slowly, slicking him with lube until he was dripping, rubbing her fingers up and down and up and down between his ass cheeks. One finger, slow and steady. Her pussy throbbed under the base of the dildo, aching for him. Two fingers and he was groaning, lifting his hips toward her. Three fingers - that was probably the same girth as the dildo, and he rocked against her eagerly.

“Are you ready?”

“God, Scully, please.”

“Turn over,” she commanded. “I want to watch you while I fuck you.”

He flipped himself over with a surprising amount of grace. She gestured and he tossed her one of the pillows. She dragged the towel over it and helped him wedge it under his hips. He looked so vulnerable like this, splayed out before her. His cock banged his belly and she couldn’t resist dragging her tongue up it to taste the salt. Her thumb stroked the tender skin under his balls, sliding back and back to push inside him. More lube. More pressure at his entrance. She circled it with her thumb, slicked the dildo with yet more lube, let the head of it rest against him.

“Scully, please,” he said in an urgent hush.

“Please what?”

“Pretty please,” he said. “Pretty please, please fuck me.”

She checked her watch. “It’s only 4:58 p.m., Mulder. Are you sure we’re off the clock?”

“Please,” he said. “I swear we’ll talk about it next time we take a case that looks like a vacation.”

“In that case,” she said, and pushed into him oh so slowly. He took the toy an inch at a time. She would have sworn his eyes got greener the deeper she pushed. He made a noise like she’d touched his soul. When she started to pull out, he whimpered. The naked need on his face floored her.

“I’m not done,” she assured him, and thrust again. Fuck, it was hard not to just snap her hips into his. She wanted to fuck him rough. Maybe once he had graduated to something bigger, she’d bend him over her couch. Maybe she’d pull out her most indulgent dildo, the one that was almost too big, and let him gag on it. Not tonight, but maybe if he pulled a stunt like that again.

For now she fucked him slowly. The base of the dildo ground against her pubis, not quite the contact she needed, but good. And his face while she fucked him, God - she could have come just from the way he looked at her.

“Enough,” he gasped when she was so on edge she was gritting her teeth to keep going. “Fuck, Scully, enough.”

She pulled out of him and he reached for her and dragged her up the bed. He undid the buckles on one side of the harness and she undid the other side and the straps fell away. She tossed the dildo to one side. And then she was straddling him and his beautiful fucking cock was pressing against her and how was she already this goddamn close? She was seeing stars and he’d barely touched her yet.

Mulder wrapped his hand around his cock and rubbed it against the wet cotton that separated her skin from his. She reached down and pushed it aside and moaned. His shaft slid between her folds. Fuck, yes, that was what she’d needed. She wasn’t waiting any longer. She cupped her hand over his and used her other hand to pull her underwear away and then she was sinking down onto his cock.

“Not yet,” he said. His hands grabbed her hips, urging her higher until she was sitting on his face. Her underwear had slipped back into place, but that didn’t seem to bother Mulder. He licked at her through the fabric, lips and tongue working together. The cotton blunted the edges of his teeth when he scraped them over her clit. She moaned, a high urgent sound, and he pulled her down hard and sucked her clit until she saw stars.

“Mulder, yes,” she was saying, over and over. Her legs shook. He lessened the pressure, then swirled his tongue in rapid circles until she was coming again, grabbing at the headboard. He slid out from under her and pressed up against her back, his big hands on her tits, thumbing at her nipples until she was almost coming again. She turned her head to kiss him hungrily as his fingers slipped lower, spreading her folds so that he could push two fingers inside her. His thumb circled her clit and she came again, a warm wave of pleasure that surprised her.

“I think these need to come off,” he said, and helped her wriggle out of her panties.

“Now will you fuck me?” she panted.

“However many orgasms that was wasn’t enough for you?” He grinned.

“It’s different,” she said. “It was good - it was fantastic - but I need you inside me, Mulder.”

He didn’t have anything to say to that. He surged up behind her again, nudging her knees apart roughly, and pushed into her, filling her pussy in a way that immediately soothed the ache inside her and made it worse all at the same time. His arm locked over her shoulders as he heaved up into her, holding her in place on his cock. She whimpered and sank her teeth into the corded muscle of his forearm. She was clinging to the bars of her headboard. The motion of his hips rocked her up and down. His other hand was braced next to hers, his fingers curling over her fist. She leaned her head against his shoulder. Fuck, she loved him.

The pressure of him inside her made her desperate. She freed one hand, touched herself with trembling fingers. She was coming undone, again, her muscles clutching around him. He moaned and pulled out of her. She cried out in protest, still shuddering, but he put his back against the headboard and hauled into his lap, thrusting up into her like he’d never stopped. She braced her knees wide and took him as deep as she could, grinding against him. His thighs were tensing under hers. She was amazed he hadn’t come yet, and grateful, and determined.

“I want you to come inside me,” she whispered, and his whole body shivered. “I’ve been so good, Mulder, please.”

He bent forward and took her nipples into his mouth, first one, then the other, his mouth hot and desperate. She kissed his forehead, scraping her fingers through his hair as he squeezed her tits. And there, so unexpected, another orgasm building inside her. She rubbed herself against him in a frenzy. She’d never come this many times in a row, with a partner or a toy, but a week’s tension had wound her tight.

“I’m close,” he warned her. He rubbed his cheek over her nipple and the friction of his stubble made her gasp. “Scully.”

“I’m coming,” she said, and it was true. Sparks burst behind her eyelids and he held her hips down and pounded up into her and she could feel him inside her, the wet heat of his pleasure. It seemed to last forever as he surged into her and then finally, finally, she was back in her body, wrapped in his arms. When he eventually pulled out of her, it felt like a loss.

“I want to lick you clean,” he said. His voice was shaking.

“Next time,” she promised, wincing just a little. She was too sensitive everywhere, but it had been worth it. Fuck, it had all been worth it. They eased down together. Mulder flopped on his belly, ass in the air.

“Did I make it up to you?” he asked.

“I believe I got the rewards I was promised,” she said.

“If I’d known you’d brought your own equipment, I don’t think my conscience would have won,” he told her. “It was hard enough seeing you in that bath, all flushed and damp.”

She patted his ass. “You took it like a champ.”

He huffed a laugh into the crumpled sheets. “I would have absolutely bought a novelty t-shirt that said that.”

“I know,” she said.

He pushed up on one elbow and gazed at her. “And you would have stolen it to wear to bed.”

“With no underwear underneath,” she agreed.

He swore under his breath. “We could go back.”

“Let’s go somewhere else,” she suggested. “I don’t want you getting distracted by the local legends. Do you think I can find you a t-shirt that says ‘Rode Hard And Put Away Wet’?”

“We’ll have to get matching ones,” he said.

“We can do that.” She smiled at him. “You can wear it to work.”

“I think that would leave Skinner with some questions.”

She shook her head, yawning. “I think that would answer most of his questions.”

“You’re probably right,” he said.

“Mulder?”

“Hmm?”

“I changed my mind,” she told him. “Lick me clean.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, and settled between her legs like it was his job. His mouth was gentle on her tender skin. His eyes were closed like he was praying. She pushed her hands through his hair and let herself drift into a dream of a life where they could do this anytime they wanted, forever and ever, amen.

[puckngrind]

Leave Her Wild: chapter 3 - N. MacKinnon

Summary: MacKenzie heads to Washington and cashes in her bet with Nathan.

Warnings: swearing, fluff and stuff

Word count: 2,565 (swear they will get longer)

Series masterlist / Puck ‘n Grind’s masterlist

Washington.

The two texted back and forth over the week. Mostly randomness with a splash of real life. A friendship was blooming with the text conversation but what else could come of it? Neither one seemed to want to touch the subject. Kenzie wasn't even sure what to make of the attention from Nate. She threw herself into work as she normally would.

MacKenzie spent a few days in Colorado Springs for work but took advantage of her time off by hiking the Garden of the Gods. She was was halfway through Palmers trail when she feels her phone and decides to stop for water and take in the view plus check her phone thinking it was work. She laughs to herself realizing it was in fact not work.

Nate: how’s Colorado Springs?

She snaps a picture of her view and sends it.

Kenzie: gorgeous as always

Nate: holy shit are you hiking alone?

Kenzie snaps a selfie where you can see she’s alone and sends it.

Kenzie: don’t worry not anything too dangerous today. Lol

Nate: ok… not worried. Anyways, thought maybe dinner could be in DC since we will both be there next week.

Kenzie thinks about it and starts walking again. She realizes dinner out of town may in fact make things less awkward.

Kenzie: depends on my schedule but that should work

Nate: good. Enjoy the rest of your hike.

MacKenzie did just that. One thing most people knew about her was she loved adventures and trying new things. She rarely goes to the same vacation spot twice. Always wanting to try new restaurants and really only frequents Gus’s place in Denver. She liked to be free which drove her mother insanely crazy but MacKenzie didn’t seem to care. Her dad was her biggest supporter. Constantly sending her wanderlust Instagram posts after she taught him how. At least her mom had home in Kenzie’s brother, Cameron. Cam was doing everything he was expected to do including recently proposing to his high school sweetheart which Kenzie thought was dumb as seniors in college. His life was his life that was for sure, well and maybe their mother's life too. She couldn't control Kenzie which meant Cam got all of her energy.

The flight to D.C. was a breeze but busy would be an understatement as MacKenzie met her client at the end of the week. The demands were insane in the time frame. She spent almost all weekend in her hotel room working and talking with her team back in Colorado.

Nate: would you want to come to the game? I have tickets.

Kenzie: I would love to but I don’t even know if I can do dinner I’m so swamped

Nate: you need to eat right?

Kenzie: I mean, yeah. I’ll order in

Nate: how about you come to my hotel, we have an amazing restaurant here. You can work and eat

MacKenzie thought it over as she looked out her window. Walking the block and a half to Nathan’s hotel tomorrow night seemed doable. He had a point that she needed to eat and could work while they ate. It would complete their wager from the card game in the same instance. Wondered if Gabe or one of the other players would be around to ensure the dinner happened. MacKenzie thought she wouldn’t have the awkwardness of it feeling like a date this way. Plus, she wanted to try the restaurant out since last time she was in town and another client mentioned it. Mosi was all for the dinner when she called ensuring Kenzie her condo's mail was indeed checked. She thought this was the perfect arrangement and MacKenzie couldn’t find a reason to say no. Thinking Nate would already be at the arena for the game she sent a text.

Kenzie: Yes, to dinner at your hotel if you are still up to it after the game

She starts typing away again and laughs when the ping is almost immediate.

Nate: Perfect. I'll text you when we are back on the bus.

MacKenzie decided to turn the game on while she worked. She normally would have something on as background noise while she worked. She knows she can get lost in work and wanted to make sure she knew to pack up her laptop and such waiting for Nathan's call. She hears his name and looks up to see him score with less than a minute left. The Avalanche was already been leading but that goal ensured their win. She decided to change then couldn’t decide if she should pack up her work yet. “How sure how much time would he take between the game and the bus?” Kenzie asked her reflection. She texted him nice game to see if he would respond. He did a few moments later so she packed up slowly. Kenzie walks down to the street turning to head over to his hotel, humming to herself trying to not over think this very simple dinner. She slows down as she sees the charter bus in front of the hotel. Fuck.

"MAAAAC! Good to see you!" Gabe's voice comes booming out of the bus with some others chiming in as the stepped off the bus. MacKenzie awkwardly smiles at the team and then catches Nathan out the side of her eye. He’s staring at her as he walks down the step.

"Did you walk?" Nathan looks down at MacKenzie puzzled.

"Well, hello. Nice game. And yes. Just two blocks." MacKenzie pulls at her loose curl and then slides her finger down her messenger bag.

"Ready for dinner? I see you brought your work." Nathan taps her bag with his knuckle. MacKenzie nods and follows Nathan into the hotel. She awkwardly stops and he realizes it. “Whatcha doin’ there?” Nate walked back so he was standing in front of Kenzie.

“Isn’t the restaurant that way?” She points in the direction of the sign she stopped next to.

“Yes but they deliver to the room and I’d rather change into sweats and let you work in comfort.” He pulls at his tie. “Less eyes too. Come on.” Nathan placed his hand briefly on MacKenzie’s lower back to lead her to the elevator.

“I normally take the stairs.” MacKenzie looks around Nate for the steps.

“My room is on floor 12 and I just had over 20 minutes of ice time. Can we please take the elevator?” Nathan looked into MacKenzie’s questioning eyes.

“Fine. You have a point.” She smiles but gets lost calculating if that time is high or low for him.

They make their way to Nathan’s room. MacKenzie is surprised how nice it is. She’s not sure what she expected but it wasn’t this. Nathan’s suits neatly hanging up. Sweats sitting in his open luggage next to the closet. She realizes he hasn’t moved from behind her.

“Everything okay?” He moves to grab a pair of shorts and shirt.

“Yeah. Just not what I was expecting. You literally live out of suitcase don’t ya?” She watches him take off his suit coat and gulps at how his shirt is sticking to him.

“Some trips it feels like that. This one we won’t be home until the 26th… then a home stand with a few games on the road… and I’m boring you. Set up wherever you want and I’m gonna go change then will be right back.” He heads to the bathroom shut the door softly.

MacKenzie stares at the uncomfortable looking desk chair in a moment of indecision wanting to be set up so she’s working when Nate returns, she decides the bed was a better option for her to sit. Getting out her laptop Kenzie starts typing as soon as she hears Nate opening the door. He smirks when he sees Kenzie on the bed and moves to the desk to find the menu. She cannot help watching him. His muscles easily seen in the shirt and shorts he picked. He hikes up his pant leg exposing his thigh. Kenzie coughs focusing back on her work again.

"Here it is." Nathan turns around and walks towards MacKenzie handing her the menu. She stares at the menu then her finger lands on a cheeseburger and fries. Nathan moves to the other side of the bed, sitting to call in the order. He hangs up and starts to move.

"You can stay here. That chair is horrible looking." MacKenzie looks over at Nathan and he stops moving then looks down at his feet before swinging them up and adjusting to sit on the bed.

"Thanks." He looks over at her screen. "So what exactly do you do?"

"Simple description... I am a social media consultant." MacKenzie giggles. "Speaking of... your social media..." "Is non-existent." Nathan finishes her statement.

"Yeah, only two posts. That’s shocking for someone your age. Nate, do you know how you could amplify your earnings post career?" MacKenzie moves her computer and shift so look at him. He rubs the back of his neck and rotates on his hip to look at her better.

"Yeah. No, yeah. I get it. Just not my thing but you looked at my socials?" He bites his lip.

"I did after we ran into you at the bar post-game. Would've felt funny giving you my number if you had a girlfriend." MacKenzie admits.

"No girlfriend. So did you say you watched the game?" Nate changes the subject which Kenzie made a mental note of.

"Background noise while working. You can turn the tv on now or just talk to me. You scored." Kenzie looks over at Nathan.

"Empty netter but yeah. Nice win." Nathan says softly. The knock on the door stops their conversation. "Oh, dinner!" Nathan pops up and answers the door.

Dinner was delicious. The two shared backgrounds such as where they were from, college for MacKenzie, boarding school and early days of hockey for Nathan. They were laughing at each other's stories which lead to both laying on their stomachs watching a video for MacKenzie's work on her laptop.

"Kenz... Kenzie. Wake up!" Nathan whispers and MacKenzie's groggy self pops up and lands on Nathan's naked torso.

"Holy fuck!" She yells out. Nathan's hands steady her.

"Hey." Nathan backs up and bends to look her in face. Panic written all over her face. "You okay? We fell asleep talking." He looks at her.

"Why didn't you wake me? What time is it? Fuck. Sorry. I'm on a schedule." MacKenzie pulls away and looks for her bag realizing Nathan plugged her computer in at some point.

"It's 6:30. We just slept. I sleep shirtless and, uh, must've taken it off in my sleep. Sorry, should've put in on before I woke you. Hold on." Nathan moves to the other side of the bed and throws his shirt back on. "Let me call you an uber." He grabs his phone.

"I can walk. I don't have a meeting until noon so I'm fine. Thank you." MacKenzie points to the bathroom and Nathan nods.

She stands in front of the mirror for way too long just looking at herself. Pinches her cheeks and starts ranking her fingers through their loose blonde curls making them manageable enough to put up in a high ponytail. She grabs Nathan’s toothpaste and brushes her teeth with her finger.

“Well, Mac. This will have to do.” She bobs on the balls of her feet to psych herself up. Returning to the room she notices that Nathan had changed and slipped on some shoes. “Whatcha doin’ Nate?”

“I’ll walk with you. I wanted to grab coffee from down the street before we leave for the airport.” He grabs his wallet.

“You don’t have to.” Kenzie whispers as she heads to her bag.

“I don’t, but I wanna.” Nate smiles at her. She notices those soft eyes again. Almost gray but then again blue.

They head out of room to the steps. MacKenzie took a deep breath not realizing she was holding it until they got to the door.

“Why good morning you two!” Gabe’s voice comes from around the corner with a bag and coffee in hand.

“Mornin’” Nate answers and pushes the cross walk button.

“Glad to see you Kenzie.” Gabe nods and starts whistling while heading back to the hotel.

“Don’t mind him.” Nate breaks the silence after crossing the street.

“I’m assuming he’s thinking you got lucky last night.” MacKenzie tries to control her racing heart.

“I’ll talk to him.” Nathan assures her. She stops and looks up at him.

“Did you want to?” She puts her hand on her head not sure she really said it out loud.

“What?” Nathan stops and looks at her confused.

“Did you want to sleep with me?” She looks to see if anyone could hear her.

“No. Well… damnit. Hi. Let me start over.” Nathan looks deep in her eyes and cups her face.

“Go ahead.” She’s not sure if the words actually could be heard or not.

“I like you. You are easy to talk to. In the short time I’ve known you I’m constantly wanting to know more. I’m just bad at dating.”

“Why do you say that?” She moves closer to him without thinking.

“I’m not romantic. Plus my job isn’t the easiest for most of the year to maintain a healthy relationship. Plus, there is those who just want me for what I could give them.” He drops his hand to her hip. She sees his chest rise and fall.

“Who says you aren’t romantic?” MacKenzie questions.

“Every girl I’ve dated.” Nathan grumbles. This makes Kenzie laugh. “Well, they have.”

“I like you too, Nate. You intrigue me.” She feels the heat in her cheeks.

“So to answer your original question, yes. I would very much like to be physical with you but I also want to date you. Like not to fuck it up by…” She stops him by pushing herself to her tip toes to softly kiss his cheek.

“Well, saying all that is a start in how not to fuck it up.” She smiles at him. “Let’s get me back to my hotel then we can visit this whole dating thing when you return to Denver.” She starts walking and he quickly grabs her hand to walk with her.

“Here we are.” He stops at the doors of her hotel. “So, I’ll see you in two weeks, Kenzie.” Nathan drags out the two while contorting his face.

“It’s not that long plus you will be busy and I have this plus another project to finish before then.” She rubs the back of his hand with her thumb realizing how large his hand was in comparison which could crush her hand if he wanted. “Thanks for dinner Nate.”

“Can I?” He starts and gulps. MacKenzie watches his Adam’s apple bob. “Can I kiss you?” He asks with a quiver in his voice. She nods her head yes. Nate brings his hands up to her jaw holding her face up while he leans in pressing his lips to hers. Kenzie kisses him back and cannot remember a first kiss quiet like that. He releases while sucking in a deep breath.

“I…” Kenzie touches her lips.

“Well, see you soon Kenzie.” He kisses her forehead then turns quickly to head back down the street leaving Kenzie wanting more.

[hitozy]

have you ever ‹ masterlist › denouement

tw! manipulation, mentioned underage sex, dubious consent, cheating. i also want to point out that reader is around 2-3 years younger than Iwaizumi, while Jae and Iwa are the same age. ps. this is a long chp :)

𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐞

Iwaizumi has no idea of what has possessed him tonight. He doesn't know why he's walking around the city in the middle of the night a day before he should be on his way home.

He doesn't know why after the celebration he didn't follow his teammates. He doesn't know why he has barely answered your texts since after the game.

He also doesn't know why he agreed to go and see Jae, to hear her out.

He's been doing fine so far, seven months Jae clean and while the first three were bumpy; your company had made it easier to deal with. Your cheerfulness, your happiness, the adventures you've both have been planning have taken his mind off the broken heart he was nursing.

She continued to contact him, even when he begged her not to and blocking her phone was no use, she just got a new one and tried again and again. His resolve was diluted and he knew it would be a matter of time before he fell into his old habits.

lil jae: congrats on the win haji! let me invite you to a drink, im in town.

-

Iwaizumi recalls an old memory from back in high school, a few weeks before moving to California, you were sitting on his bed helping him organize his suitcase with 'essentials'. His clothes all over the place but as always, you showed enthusiasm at helping him out.

He remembers you giggling and calling him a dork while folding his Godzilla themed underwear and placing it inside his suitcase. He remembers the way you hummed some songs that you had just placed on your shared playlist because 'it's kinda your style' and it kinda is. He even remembers what you were wearing, a pair of black running shorts and a blue tank top. When you reached over the edge of his bed for his fallen socks, your cleavage was visible to his eyes, 'If a man ever peers down his shirt', he thought, 'I'll kill him without hesitating.'

But what he remembers the most is you pulling out an old shoe box from under said bed, a shoe box that held his most treasured things. Pictures from his childhood that matched the ones on your bedroom wall, doddles from your hand, your favorite flowers pressed inside a copy of your favorite book, short stories and poems, snippets of stories never finished from you. He'll never forget your teary eyes and happy smile when he took the box from you, emptying the contents carefully inside his backpack. The hug you gave him afterward still sets his heart on fire, nothing has ever been more lovely than you and your happy smile.

He also remembers Jae coming into his room right during your hug, wearing an empty smile on her face, her eyes red and raging. He's only ever seen her this mad whenever he's with you and he still doesn't get it.

She stay's to "help" when in reality all she does is glare at yn the whole time. It helps that you don't even mind the glares or the bad mood, joking that 'Jae's grumpy because we couldn't go to the movies today'.

It was late afternoon when you left, Iwaizumi had given you a bag filled with some of his stuff - things he knew you loved and adored, things he couldn't take. He watched you get inside your parents car and wave him goodbye, even though you both knew he'd be coming through your window in a few hours for movie night.

He remembers when he came back inside to find Jae naked on his bed. How angry she was and how she took it out on sex, the tension so palpable he could taste it. Once it was over, she walked towards his backpack and pulled out all of YN's things and that's when it clicked. She was mad because he was taking stuff about YN and not her, she made it clear when Jae told him, 'What the fuck is this.'

-

He remembers that hours later, he finds himself in your room squeaky clean and wearing nothing but his sweatpants and socks, his back against your front with his head against your breasts. He hadn't told you that Jae broke up with him, but he knew you had figured out he was sad because your arms cradled him since he got situated there and had not moved since.

How Jae said she wouldn't move with him in the end. How she had decided to stay in Japan and have him go to California all alone in the end, just because she wanted him to. How he begged her to come, to stay with him, to not leave him and how he watched her get dressed to go home. How she winked at him as she left with a, "Call me once you're in Cali."

How she only wants to go out when she knows he has plans with you. How she only cares about him when you're around or how messed up and used he feels ever since she took his virginity during your 14th birthday party.

He feels disgusting sometimes after sex with Jae, disgusted with himself on how wrong it is but how much he loves her still.

He didn't have to say any of that to you, the kiss on the forehead you just gave him eased it all away anyway.

-

He remembers all of this while he's kissing Jae in her hotel room, her dress and underwear discarded somewhere in the room, his cock buried deep inside of her like a starved man, Her nails racking down his chest from his unbuttoned shirt as she moaned at the feeling.

When Jae separates herself from him with half lidded eyes, she smirks, "I bet my little cousin can't even kiss right, the little virgin." She kisses the column of his neck, grazing her teeth against the skin, getting ready to mark him as hers and even though he doesn't agree with her, he stays quiet.

A memory burst through his mind as he pounds into Jae. The way your sighed his name when he settled himself inside of you, the way your nails scratched his back when he hit your G-spot, the way you moaned when his thumb circled your clit; your gummy, tight walls griped him as you came, with his name on your lips. Your soft, pillow lips that have only been his, only kissed him.

"Be safe out there, Hajime! I'll be waiting for you!" She smiled as she kissed him goodbye by the front door.

He turned to deepen the kiss, pulling her closer to him like a starved man, "Don't worry, I'm not gonna runaway, mochi."

As he walked down the steps of his house, he heard her say "I miss you already."

It's then that Iwaizumi snaps out of it.

He pushes her off of him and steps back until his back is against the wall, feeling disgusted with himself in a way he hasn't since they broke up.

"I can't do this, I won't do this, I-" he pushes himself off the wall, tucking himself in and picking up his stuff, "Never again, Jae."

Jae watches him leave, a sinister smile spreading across her face. Her gaze steady as his figure disappears into the night, "If you think you can just up and go, Haji, you are very mistaken."

She walks to where she hid her phone and chuckles as she presses send, "Lets see what my little cousin has to say, hmm?"

-

Iwaizumi was worried, it wasn't normal for you to not answer his calls or texts. He was on the road back home with the team, their ruckus would usually give him a headache, but right now? Right now he can't focus on anything except the little 'unread' mark at the bottom of his last text to you.

my one: mochi? r u ok? im on my way back home

-

He didn't expect to come back home and find you in the living room in silence. Your eyes rimmed red and puffy from crying, you didn't have to say anything for him to know what had happened.

Jae told you.

He wish he could be surprised, but Jae had been nothing but a devil all this time and he can't believe he never saw it until now. Until he married you, an angel.

"Mochi, I'm sorry. I'm very very sorry, please talk to me." He knelt at your feet, his hands on your knees trying to get you to look at him. His guilt crashing down brick by brick, he should have never gone out to see her.

"I know this means nothing to you, mochi. But I'll never see her again, only when its a family reunion or you're with me."

Silence.

"There is no excuse, but yn, please, look at me, let me explain."

She pushes him off a bit, without much force as if her sadness took away all her strength and his heart clenched. How could he do this to his best friend? Lie and lie, again and again and again.

YN-”

“No, STOP! You- you got your say, now it’s my turn.” She's shaking and her breaths are short. She's starting to have a panic attack.

I get up and advance towards her slowly, “YN you need to calm down. Here,” I place my hand on her back, “let me-”

She pushes me off, her back towards me, “Please, don’t touch me. Please, please, please.” She's sobbing and its hurts so so much.

It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

“Remember your breathing exercises, mochi. In and out. In…”

Eventually her breathing normalizes but she still won't look at me and it takes all of my strength to not touch her.

“All I ever wanted was for you to love me, Hajime.”

Whoever said words can never hurt someone, has never been in my place. She just stabbed me without a knife and its more painful than I ever imagined.

“I wanted you to love me, to see me as your wife, as a woman but you didn’t. You don’t and I- it hurts so much.”

“But, mochi, you said you would marry me so we didn’t end up with strangers.”

“I know.”

“Then why-”

“I lied. I’ve loved you since the moment you came into my life. I’ve loved you for years, even before Jae came into the picture. I’ve loved you so so so much, I love you so much.”

“… you know about Jae? Since when?!” I made the mistake of reaching out for her, she pushed me back and said nothing. The dread of her knowing, of her finding out before today makes me sick.

“If you knew then why did you marry me!? Did you think I would change? That my feelings would change? You know I’m not like that.”

“I do know. I- thought that maybe-, but then it was clear that nothing would change but, I made a promise to you and I said it in our vows.”

“YN-”

“I know the mistake is mine. I know what all the blame is mine to take, I know it and I accept it. I’m sorry, Hajime, that’s me that you have to stay with.”

She finally turns to look at me, but I wish she hadn't. The tears are flowing steadily down her cheeks to her neck. I did this to her, I hurt her again and again, without thinking. No, without watching. Because if I had paid attention to her like Jae did, I might have seen it sooner.

“We could get a divorce, you know. That way you can stop getting hurt. Stop your heart from breaking. You don’t deserve this.”

“It’s okay. I- I give you permission to do it, to break my heart forever.”

“…What?”

She takes my hand, and in-between the tears she smiles at me as if her heart wasn't breaking in two. As if I didn't shatter her dreams for a few sloppy seconds, “It’s okay, I know what I signed up for, I knew it from the beginning. I guess I just didn’t want to accept it. So go ahead, break my heart, break it into a million pieces! I give you permission, Iwaizumi Hajime, please just - don’t leave me.”

I can't say anything, what am I supposed to say? My sweet, sweet girl is hurt and damaged and all she wants is for me to stay. I feel disgusted in a way I never did with Jae, because instead of being used, I am using her.

I bring her into my arms, and say the only words that have actual meaning between us, "I love you, mochi."

"I- I'll do better, I promise. Please YN," He gripped her shoulders tightly, "Please forgive me, I'll do whatever just, I'm so sorry, baby."

He can feel the tears spilling onto his shirt, a scorching pain expanding through his chest at the consequences of his actions. He hurt the one person who didn't deserve it, who he promised to keep safe and happy.

"Hajime, please take a bath, I wanna sleep without the smell of Jae."

His heart dropped at her words, he forgot that he had just upped and left from Jae's, only changing his clothes for comfort. His skin still smelled like her. As he separated from her, he kissed her forehead, "Join me?"

-

He laid on the bed with her hours later, her head on his chest where he could see her puffy eyes. She had washed him thoroughly to the point were he thought she had scrubbed him raw, and he couldn't blame her - he wanted to do the same since the beginning.

He pulled her closer, practically on top of him and felt her heartbeat against his own. He had done something terrible and he needed to fix it, fix this. So he needed to take the first step.

to lil jae: for someone who says they love me, u sure like to make me miserable. i don't know why u hate yn so much and tbh i don't care anymore. i don't want to see u or talk to u ever again. if u contact me, i'm gonna get a restraining order, jae. i can't do this anymore.

to lil jae: goodbye jae.

do you wish to block this number?

yes.

Remorse is memory awake, Her companies astir,— A presence of departed acts At window and at door.

Its past set down before the soul,         And lighted with a match, Perusal to facilitate Of its condensed despatch.

Remorse is cureless,—the disease Not even God can heal;         For ’t is His institution,— The complement of hell.

Remorse is memory awake - Emily Dickinson

taglist ! @daphnxy @zukoslosthishonor​ @i-am-a-hoe-for-shinya @mrsdoradominguez-barnes @anejuuuuoy

a/n! *hands you all this and runs* i'll see you soon for chp11~

but in all seriousness, i wrote this chapter with my heart on my sleeve. love is truly the strongest curse and for it to be unrequired? imagine it.

now, i'm off to write the next part! and i am sorry :) ♥

[hwrryscherry]

The one with the Christmas Eve, eve.

blurb: Harry and Model Y/N are spending christmas in the French Alps with their families and suddely realizes they didn’t have any time to go christmas shopping this year.

word count: 2.8K

author’s note: Heeey guys, so I'm editing with my phone and I'm not able to add the "read more" tag but I'll do it in the morning🥰 I hope you enjoy♥️

christmas song of the day: Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes

December 23rd, 2020.

house near La Clusaz

— What are you doing? — You'd ask Gemma a you arrived at the first floor leaving the stairs behind you. You observed your sister-in-law with a bunch of wrapped boxes on her hands as she walked towards the huge christmas tree settled on the living room on the left side of the enormous fireplace. Gemma crouched down beside the tree and placed the enveloped boxes on the foot of the tree while you walked towards the big and comfortable brown sofa and sat on the same prop for your things.

— I'm putting the presents here. They were up there in the room and I already started to think it’d break or something — The woman told you while placing the boxes under the tree — And also because it looks nicer like that though. You and Harry should put yours here too.

— Sure, it looks more like home this way — You said agreeing with Gemma and then got up and walked behind the sofa where you placed your palms over it  looked at her — I'll get them, they must be in Harry’s suitcase — You smiled tenderly at her and walked again to the stairs, where you went up step by step until you reached the top floor and walked up to your room. When you opened the door carefully since when you left the room Harry had just entered the shower, you came across Harry with a towel wrapped around his hips giving you an excellent view of his exposed chest and arms tattoos as he placed the items of clothing he planned to wear on the bed.

— Love, I was thinking that we should've gone skiing yest... — Harry started to say the moment he noticed your presence in the room.

— We have a big problem, Hazz — You interrupted him bringing all his attention that were previously in the clothes for the you. He noticed the look of despair that you had on your face and felt the concern take over his body �� A huge problem! — When saying this, you rubbed your palms on your face and Harry approached you in a quick pace, gently touching your arms.

— What happened? Are you okay? — Harry'd ask while carefully examining your face and body with his green eyes looking for any sign that you'd have been hurt in any way.

— I'm okay, that's not it! — You said taking a deep breath and then sighing to take your gaze against his — We forgot that we had to go christmas shopping — You'd say with a long breath coming out of your nostrils as you watched Harry frowing in completely silence as he actually noticed that none of you remembered of buying any gifts. The thing is, with Harry filming Don't Worry Darling and you doing so many shootings you both would always say "oh let's go tomorrow" and then you'd never actually go and it turned out that you totally forgot about it — How could we forget it? Oh my god, your mom's gonna be so upset and today is Christmas Eve eve, there's no way we'll find something for them and I panicked and told Gemma that their gifts were up here and...

— Love, love, love — Harry'd interrupt you as he rushed towards the bed and grabbed his clothes to start dressing up — Let's not panic! There's a christmas market down in La Clusaz. I bet there must be something good left! — Harry would say trying to convince himself more than you actually. He'd feel completely bad and shattered by giving no presents to his family. But he was kinda right though. The house you rented were up in the mountains but a fifteen minutes drive would take both of you to a commune that had a beautiful Christmas Market and as christmas day is so close it probably should be open.

— Yeah, sure! — You'd agree going directly to the small closet there was in you guys bedroom that you organized both of your clothes in there yesterday and grabbed some warmer clothes because it was probably the coldest it's ever been since the day you both got here, but thank god it wasn't snowing at this moment.

— Ok but what if they want to come with us? — Harry said as he put on his sleeves and later on his snow coat alongise with his beanie.

— We'll tell them we're going on a date! — You'd fastly say back as you changed your sweatpants to a legging and following it with jeans, and then changing your hoddie for a heavy coat of yours and your slippers for snow boots — I'm sure they won't try to follow us on our date.

— Yeah that'd be weird! — Harry would agree with you taking his phone and putting it inside his pocket and then his mask. Remember how the mask made your face warm in the summer? Thank god it makes your face warmer now. — I'll go downstairs and starts the car and then I'll just say that I was planning it and ye' didn't know.

— Ok! — You'd tell him as you searched for your phone on the mess sheets from the bed, as you found Harry's gloves, you'd take it in your hands and show them to him — Won't you use it?

— No, I'm good! See you downstairs! — Harry'd say as he left the room and walked downstairs leaving you alone in the room. And also, unlike Harry, you weren't wearing a beanie when you got downstairs.

— Oh, you look pretty! — Anne would say with a big smile on her face at the moment she'd see you leaving the stairs while putting your gloves on. She'd come closer to you with your newly washed mask on in her hands — We didn't know you both were having a date, dear! — She would complement as you'd put on the mask on your face feeling a little tense from her words. It's not like you don't know how to lie, you're good at it. It's just that you love this woman so much and it's hard to lie to her.

— Oh yeah, I didn't too! Harry said it was a surprise! — You'd say while putting your phone inside your 2005 Re-edition Prada bag that was actually last christmas gift from Harry. God, you wanted this bag for so long and you got so happy when Harry gave it to you that you couldn't stop thanking him for almost a week after christmas — We should be back soon, though! I don't know how much time is gonna take — You'd add stoping your movements and looking at the shorter woman's face.

— It's okay, darling! — She'd say giving you a warm hug before walking with you towards the door — Now go have some fun! — She'd say happily as you walked towards the car that Harry had rented too. God, the air felt so cold. Of course you lived in NYC for years, and you are used to snowy weather but this feels ten times colder. You'd rush into black SUV that Harry rented feeling the warmness almost instantly when you sit in the passagers sit and put on your sit belt.

Harry started driving directly to the commune center with the GPS instructions and honestly, you were glad that you had a GPS because you could never tell the difference on the way because all you could see was snow and mountain until you got in center. 

You both were so surprised when you left the car after you had parked it. Of course, it was dead cold but it was so pretty. It felt like you were inside a christmas movie with all the lights and decorations and the cute houses with all those people going ice skating and walking around the christmas market with a christmas song in the background. It felt like a heaven made of christmas.

— This must be what heaven looks like — You'd say as you and Harry walked hand in hand towards the christmas market getting a chuckle out of Harry. He knew how much you love the christmas spirit and all it came together with it. It just felt so great, and he learned to love it just as much as you do with the time.

— Do ye' have any idea on what we should buy? — Harry asked as you both first entered the market that was actually a little too crowed for being so early in the afternoon.

— I think that for your mom, we should get her new crystal bowls because you broke hers last christmas and for — You'd say casually remembering last christmas when they were all playing games together and Harry was a little too excited about winning the game and a little too wine drunk too to realize that he was one step away of breaking Anne's brand new crystal bowls.

— Hey, I still feel bad for that, let's not talk about this! — Harry'd say on a playful way making you let out a chuckle as you looked at the many stands options of presents to buy.

— Ok, I'm sorry! But anyway, I think we should get Gemma something classy and cute, maybe with a little...

— Pride and Prejudice vibes — Harry'd interrupt you making you turn your gaze to him seeing the boy with raised eyebrows at you — You say this every year!

— Yes, and she loved all the gifts we gave her in the past 2 years! — You'd say convincingly as you started to walk inside the market basically dragging Harry with you — Imma buy my mom a light spot necklace, you know? That one with only a small diamond in it? She's obsessed with it lately.

The first thing you'd buy would be your mom's necklace.It'd take you a while to find it, but it was so worth it because it was just like the one you have and you knew she would love it. The cute french woman, the seller was an old lady with white hair and a very sweet voice and it's been a while since you've put your french in work so it would really nice to talk to her. She'd tell both of you that she plans on spending christmas with her grandkids on their house and then later appreciating the christmas fireworks. The thing is that both you and Harry loved to know people's story, it's easier to understand and like someone when you know it's story of life and what made it be who it is.

Later you'd start looking something for Michal, which was probably the hardest thing ever because Michal is the kind of person that will like whatever you give to him so it's hard to think about something special and it's a proven thing when it's already the fifth stand that you ans Harry stops at to look for something to him.

— Why is this so hard? — Harry would say looking through some very cute sweaters.

— I know right! — You'd add as you looked through the many jewels it had on the stand — I'll go finding something for Gemma, and you find something for Michal! — You'd say starting to walk away from him and being stopped by the man's rough voice at you making you turn around to look at him.

— Why do I have to choose anything for him? Why don't you do it? — He'd say making you go silent for a moment as you thought about a good excuse about him finding it alone. You know Michal likes anything but you don't want to be the one to find the "wrong" anything.

— I mean, you're a guy! You know what guys want for christmas, love — You carefully say touching his arm as you approached him — And by the way, you've known the guy for five years, and I know him for two years so you'll do it! — You'd say with a convincing smile on your face as you petted his arm.

— Ow so that's the game? 'Cause I've known Gemma for 26 years! — He'd argue back.

— Yes, but she likes me better! — You'd say grabbing a bracelet with the letter G in it and observing it closer to your eyes.

— What do ye' mean she likes you better? I am her brother! — He'd say making a huge deal about the "brother" part. You'd roll your eyes at his little drama and then you'd show him the bracelet.

— Yeah, whatever! — You'd say — See, you could ask if you can buy this bracelet with the letters G and M and I think it would be the perfect gift for him! I'll go find Gemma's one! — And you'd leave. Harry would be kinda shocked on your presenting skills. It surprises how you can see one thing and transform it into the perfect christmas gift ans he knows that you'd call it your natural talent and maybe it was.

For Gemma, it would be a lot easier and right after Harry finished buying Michal's gift, he'd help you with Gemma's gift. You'd buy her two of them because it was just perfect for her. First, Harry would find a beautiful journal with major vibes from Fairy Academia and you both think it would be so useful for Gemma because she's always travelling and discovering some new things and with this journal she could write it down and read it 50 years from now and remember the good old days and the great experiences she experienced. And the second one, you bought her a bracelet that had "sisters by heart" written in it because you and Gemma had the best relationship ever and you knew you could count on her through the good and the best at this is more than what you could ask for.

At last, you both bought the crystal bowls for Anne and god, it was the hardest thing to find. Specially because it was already Dec 23rd and most actual stores was closed now. When you finally bought it, all you could do was to tease Harry about it asking him to please don't break those too. Poor Harry, he really felt bad about it and he really wishes he never made such a mess but it became a funny story to tell and to tease him about.

Later on that day, you'd grab some lunch too because you finished your shopping by just a couple of hours before it was actually dark and you'd just agree that what you and Harry said to Anne didn't have to be a total lie and you could actually have a date and enjoy some alone time.

You both would choose a very cozy restaurant called Les Rhodos, for the grace of god it wasn't very crowed and you both chose a sit by the window so you could eat with the most phenomenal view of the snowy mountain. The restaurant had a lot of details in stone and wood which brought all the alps vibes to it.

You'd both chose burgers to eat and it would honestly taste like one of the best burgers you've ever eaten in your life. Harry'd order a special type of beer to him that was literally green. You don't know how, but it was. You'd talk. You'd talk about last christmas, this christmas and what you expected from next christmas.

— Do ye' think that we'll ever tell them about we forgetting to buy their gifts? — Harry would ask in your drive back home while you admired the sunset by your window. The sky was lilac with a bit of orange and pink and for a moment you felt like you were inside the movie Brother Bear from Disney and all it missed was the northern lights, which you'd totally search on google if it happens in the french alps and you'd find out that it's possible but also really rare.

— I definitely think they'll notice it, H! — You'd say trying to contain your laugh. It's not like you both bought the worst gifts in the world; you bought amazing gifts but it's not what you usually buy and your families will notice it, but they'll appreciate the fact that you both really tried to get them something nice and I mean, it's christmas. Enjoy the holiday experience.

[omgrachwrites]

Tell a Tale of You and Me - Chapter Six

Pairing: Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: You knew that making a bet with Sirius Black was like making a deal with the devil but you just couldn’t help yourself. You had never been a heavenly woman.

Warnings: fluff, soft angst, pining

Words: 2100

Disclaimer: This gif doesn’t belong to me!

A/N: How are we on chapter six already?! Hope you guys enjoy this part, please let me know what you think and let me know if you want to be tagged! I love you all very much! xxx

Chapter Six

Sighing, you held the blue autumn dress against your body, gazing at your reflection in the mirror, you didn’t like this shade of blue paired with your soft eyes, and the colour of the dress was cold in comparison. Closing your eyes you let out a deep breath, you didn’t want to have a fit on the morning of the first Hogsmeade visit, controlling your breathing unfortunately wasn’t as effective as you had hoped. You flung the garment onto your bed where it joined the other pieces of rejected clothing, leaving you shivering slightly in your underwear.

There came a giggle from behind you and you looked into the mirror rather than turning around. Lily was sitting up in bed, her red hair was slightly frizzy as she looked at you and you noticed that her eyes were alert rather than glazed over with sleep. You had a sneaking suspicion that she had been watching you for a while.

“I really like you in that blue dress and I thought you did too, I thought it was one of your favourites,” she pouted but smirked when you let out a non-committal noise. It was one of your favourites, “so, who are you getting all dressed up for?”

You frowned into the mirror at your best friend, “err, I’m getting dressed up for myself and myself only,” you told her and it was true. Sure, you wanted people to think that you looked nice but you didn’t want to impress anybody with the clothes that you wore nobody but yourself.

“Well, the fact that half of your suitcase is on your bed, I would say otherwise,” she giggled as she gestured over at your bed, “is it Sirius? Do you have a crush on him again?” she asked with an excited look and a hopeful tone.

“Nope, I haven’t had a crush on him since our fourth year,” you chuckled, turning around to face Lily, chewing your lip when her face fell, “look,” you smiled as you went over to sit on her bed, “Sirius is definitely one of the best looking guys that I know, no matter how much I hate to say it but I don’t have a crush on him again.”

“Why not? Would it be such a bad thing if you did Y/N?” you smiled at Lily, trying to think of the best way to explain it.

“Remember how I was when we first started Hogwarts, before I had a crush on Sirius? I was meek, scared of my own shadow, I never would have stood up for myself, not in a million years. I hated being that person, and then I got my heart broken by Sirius in our fourth year and for months all I did was mope about. It wasn’t until I took a step back, looked at myself and realised that I didn’t want to mope around forever, I couldn’t waste my life. So, here I am, trying to be the best version of myself.”

“Y/N,” Lily sighed as she took your hands in her own and nodded at you for you to continue.

“Don’t you see? If I let myself feel anything but friendship for Sirius, I’m scared that I’m gonna go right back to that meek, cowardly girl, and I don’t want to be her. Never again.”

“I understand, I did notice a change in you after the whole drama with Sirius, you’re like a little ray of sunshine Y/N,” she giggled, “but you do have a habit of building a wall around yourself.”

“I know, I’m still learning,” you smiled it seemed like an awfully deep conversation to be having before 8 in the morning. You looked over at your suitcase and realised that you still needed to find something to wear.

Lily must have seen you looking because she got up off her bed and started to rummage through your suitcase, you didn’t bother to ask her what she was doing, you just let her do her own thing. Finally, she pulled out another autumn dress in a similar style to the blue one, though it was in a different colour, that wouldn’t clash with your eyes.

“Pair this with some warm tights and boots,” Lily grinned at you as she handed you the clothes, “and also,” she paused as she ran her nimble fingers through your hair, breaking up the tangles, “leave it like that, it’s so pretty when it looks a little messy. And, when we’re both dressed we’ll have food, the boys smuggled some out of the kitchens. They wanted as much time as they could possibly get at Hogsmeade,” she rolled her eyes, making you laugh.

After you had both dressed – Lily looked as beautiful as ever, in a sea foam green top and stone washed jeans – you traipsed up to the boy’s dormitory, along with your friend Alice. Alice and her boyfriend Frank were also coming to Hogsmeade with you.

As soon as you opened the door to the boy’s dormitory, you were met with a shirtless, glistening Sirius who had obviously just got out of the shower. His long hair was damp and his jeans hung low on his hips. You averted your eyes, feeling your cheeks grow warm, you didn’t want to be caught staring at the handsome boy. Not that you wanted to stare anyway.

“Good morning Sirius, how are you?” you smirked, making light of the fact that he was half naked in front of you.

“Y/N,” he breathed, making you look back at him as his grey eyes widened as he drank in your appearance. Lily snickered behind you and almost immediately, Sirius’ eyes flashed over to her and he cleared his throat, almost as if he just realised where he was, “I’m all the better for seeing you, darlin’,” he sent you a cheeky wink and Lily shot you a knowing look.

After a quick breakfast, you along with your friends were on the way to Hogsmeade, the weather was bracing but sunny. As soon as you stepped foot in the beautiful village, the boys decided that they wanted to go to Zonkos and you, Alice and Lily wanted to go to Honeydukes. You decided to go your separate ways and meet up later on in The Three Broomsticks for a Butterbeer.

As you entered the sweet shop, you inhaled the toffee scented air with a delighted grin, when you were at Honeydukes, you felt at home. Almost instantly, you walked over to find your favourite sweets, Sugar Quills and you saw with much delight that they were now selling deluxe ones. You turned around to tell your friends; instead you bumped into a handsome young man.

“By Salazar! I’m so sorry Y/N,” you glanced up and saw that it was Regulus, he beamed at you, his eyes lighting up as you smiled at him.

“No problem Reg,” you giggled when you saw mountains of Sugar Quills in his arms, “Sugar Quills are my favourite,” you told him, though you weren’t sure why he needed to know.

He grinned as he quirked an eyebrow, “mine too. Hey, I just wanted to congratulate you on winning the match yesterday, you played really well. The other teams better watch out with you as the Gryffindor seeker,” he chuckled and you thought back to the fond memory of the previous day, you could hardly wait to play the next match.

“Thank you so much Regulus, you played really well too,” you grinned at him.

Later on in the Three Broomsticks – right about when Alice and Frank were at the bar trying to get served for Firewhisky – Lily took a sip of her Butterbeer and looked at the marauders, “so how is little Finn getting on?” she directed the question at the boys because it was them who were helping your little brother through his werewolf transformations every month.

You wished that you could help but you knew it was too dangerous and you knew that the marauders wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

“Oh, he’s doing so well, much better than I am, even now,” Remus chuckled as he absent mindedly scratched at a scar on his cheek, “but it’s Sirius who should take the credit for helping him the most, isn’t that right James?”

James winked and grinned at you, “its true Y/N. Sirius has been great with Finn.”

At his best mate’s words, Sirius ducked his head, grinning bashfully as he ruffled his hair. Meanwhile, your heart swelled, you were so grateful to all of your friends for looking after your baby brother. You took Sirius’ hand from across the table, not caring that it was in front of everyone and he looked up at you with warm grey eyes.

“Thank you so much Sirius.”

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Sirius chuckled as he wrinkled his nose when another pumpkin flavoured jelly bean hit him right between the eyes. He had lost count of how many failed attempts that was now, “I just don’t get it Y/N, you’re a pro athlete and you still can’t aim a jelly bean into my mouth.”

Y/N smirked at him as she threw another jelly bean at him, she was aiming for his forehead that time, “I know right honestly, how could I possibly miss a mouth that big? Winning one Quidditch match hardly makes me a pro athlete. Besides, I’m a seeker, I can’t throw things, I catch them. I can’t do both,” she giggled.

Unbeknownst to both Y/N and Sirius, their friends had been watching this whole exchange, it had been painful for them to watch. To them, it was clear that Sirius and Y/N had feelings for each other, it was clear to everyone. Everyone except Sirius and Y/N. Sirius cheered as finally, Y/N landed a jelly bean into his mouth, and unfortunately it wasn’t a pumpkin flavoured one as Sirius had originally thought. It was a Bertie Botts vomit flavoured one.

Sirius winced as he chewed it, “ew, that’s disgusting,” he swallowed it as quickly as he could and Y/N let out a musical giggle. Sirius was sure that she had known the true flavour of that jelly bean.

Grinning brightly, Sirius looked around The Great Hall, the Halloween feast was always an amazing night, it was his favourite time of year but this particular feast was one for the ages. Maybe because he knew it was the last Halloween feast any of them would ever have at Hogwarts and that thought made him sad. The food had been amazing, especially the mini cinnamon and pumpkin pies, the house elves had really outdone themselves. Then, the Hogwarts ghosts had entertained them all with a synchronised show.

Though, Sirius’ favourite part of the whole night wasn’t the incredible food or the dancing ghosts, it was the fact that he got to share this amazing night with all of his best friends. He wouldn’t want to share it with anybody else. Sirius smiled as he looked over at the Slytherin table and saw Finn, Y/N’s brother in deep conversation with Regulus. Finn was eating his way through a mountain of jelly and ice cream and he was grinning with excitement.

After the feast, Sirius and his best friends had drunk a bottle of Firewhisky between them in the common room and they had gorged themselves on the sweets they had brought back from Honeydukes earlier that day. Y/N had eventually fallen asleep with her head in Sirius’ lap; it was a warm comfortable weight. He smiled down at her as he ran his fingers through her pretty hair; she looked like she was at complete peace.

Lily sighed loudly and he glanced up to see her glaring at him, her eyes were slightly glazed over from the alcohol she had consumed, “when are you going to admit it Sirius? Because Y/N certainly won’t.”

“Admit what?” he asked, feigned innocence etched into his handsome face.

“Sirius,” Lily started in a warning voice and he knew that it wouldn’t be in his best interest to argue with her, “when are you going to tell her that you have feelings for her? When are you going to admit it to yourself? It doesn’t have to be a big deal, just ask her to Hogsmeade one time on her own and tell her,” Lily shrugged, “easy.”

Sirius sighed as he gazed down at the sleeping girl, her lips were slightly parted as she breathed in and out, “she could do so much better than a disowned nobody, she’d want to be with someone like Regulus,” he said bitterly. This was the reason why he only ever slept around; he didn’t want to burden anyone with his family problems and insecurities. He hid them so well, people thought he didn’t have them, “and I don’t have feelings for her,” he added and Lily scoffed.

“Lily’s right Sirius,” Remus started which surprised everyone, “if you don’t say anything then you’ll regret it in years to come. It’ll torture you because you’ll always think ‘what if?’”

Sirius shook his head as he looked down at Y/N, she was such a great girl and she deserved the world but that would never be Sirius.

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@approved-by-dentists​ @thefuturelawyer​ @a-miserable-hufflepunk​ @firelordmillie​ @seriouslysiriuss​ @sleep-i-ness​ @play-morezeppelin​ @pregnant-piggy​ @sleepingalaska​ @smiithys​ @blisfvll​ @rexorangecouny​

[debbiechanclub]

BTOOT Trent/Alex Supercut!

Listen, I know that I’ve hinted at Trent/Alex quite a lot throughout BTOOT, starting with the very first chapter. And I know there are a few people who lowkey ship them. So I decided to make a supercut of all the times that it seems like there’s something there for reasons. Perhaps sequel-related reasons.

Anyway, I don’t have a word count for this but... it’s long.

Tag squad: @hotyeehawman @freshlysqueezedmox @comeasyoudar @librathepheonix13 @heelchampbucks @gabbynorth98 @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @exe-sadboi-exe (let me know if you want to be added!)

Chapter 1

“Sudden Death” was nothing more than “Never Have I Ever.” But, quite frankly, Alex was a little nervous. She knew this group of people—and she knew they had little to no shame.

“Okay, these are the rules,” she explained. “We’ll play like normal—but Chuckie and Orange will be the only ones putting down their fingers. The first one to put down all three fingers is the loser of the round.”

“Okay, just to clarify,” Scorpio asked, “so whoever still has fingers up at the end wins the whole thing?”

She nodded. “Correct.”

“I don’t like this,” Chuck said, even as he held up three fingers. “Y’all are gonna say things you know I’ve done to make me lose.”

“Never have I ever been a conspiracy theorist,” Frankie smirked. Chuck didn’t think it was funny.

“Especially you!”

“Alright, he actually has a point,” Alex begrudgingly admitted. “Let’s keep it unbiased. Kris, you start.”

Kris put a finger to her lips in thought. “Hmm… oh, I know,” she smirked. “Never have I ever slid into someone’s DMs.”

Alex let out a loud burst of laughter. “Maybe if Trent was playing,” she commented.

“Jeez, Alex, just put me on blast,” Trent returned.

She just smirked and took another sip of beer.

Chapter 5

Step one for dealing with jealous, catty bitches was to look hotter than them. Check. Step two was to completely ignore them and live your best life. Check. Two drinks in and hanging with her boys and Kris, Alex was having a great night.

Trent nudged his chin at her. “Wanna do a body shot?”

Chuck nearly choked on his beer. “Fucking what?”

Alex smirked as she leaned toward him. “Are you hitting on me, Trent?”

“I don’t know,” he coolly returned. “Do you want me to be?”

She arched a brow. “My eyes are up here, big shooter.”

He pursed his lips. “Come on. You wanted me to look.”

She bit her lip as she sat back again. “No; let’s not. I don’t want to make Chuckie jealous.”

Chuck just rolled his eyes.

“I do want another drink, though.” She scooted past James and made her way to the bar. As soon as she was out of earshot, Chuck glared at Trent.

“A body shot?”

“Relax,” Trent said. “That was a test to see if Mariposa has joined us. Obviously, she has.”

James smirked. “Nice.”

Kris sent Trent a confused look. “Mariposa?”

Chuck sighed. “‘Mariposa’ is what we call Alex’s drunk alter ego.”

Kris’s eyes widened with excited curiosity when he said that. “Okay, I have to hear this.”

“Alex turns into the biggest flirt on planet Earth when she drinks, as I just clearly demonstrated,” Trent explained. “I guarantee you she’s not coming back from the bar. She’s gonna pick some poor unsuspecting target and spend the next ten minutes fluttering her eyelashes at him.”

“Hence, ‘Mariposa,’” James added.

“When we were in Vegas for Double or Nothing, Mariposa spent all night flirting with Chuck here,” Trent said as he pointed a thumb at Chuck. “It’s what gave him the balls to confess his undying love for Alex.”

Chuck smacked the tabletop. “Okay, again: I was also very drunk that night, and I’m not in love with Alex!”

James sent him a look. “Whatever you say, bud.”

He just grumbled and drank his beer.

“Anyway, we’ve turned it into a drinking game of sorts,” Trent said. “We like to make bets on who she’ll go after.”

Kris laughed into her drink. “Okay, that’s kind of messed up, but also kind of hilarious. Can I get in on it?”

“Absolutely,” Trent said. He waved his hand out over the room. “Please, make your selection.”

“Yes! Okay.” She eagerly looked around, searching for a pick. “What’s her type?”

“She likes beards,” James answered.

Kris frowned. “Hm. Well that knocks out my initial pick, then.”

“Who?” Trent asked.

She smirked. “Maxwell.”

“HA! Oh shit, I hope it’s Maxwell,” he laughed. “That would be fucking hilarious to watch.”

“I don’t think he’d know what to do with her,” James commented.

“Come on, Alex wouldn’t flirt with Maxwell,” Chuck dismissed. “He’s like seven years younger than her.”

“Well, it doesn’t look like he stands a chance, anyway,” Kris said with a nod toward the bar. “Cash certainly doesn’t waste any time.”

They all looked over. Sure enough, Alex was leaned back against the bar with Cash Wheeler standing just in front of her; and judging by their body language, they weren’t talking about the weather.

“Damn,” Trent said. “Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. Alex looks fucking hot tonight.”

Chuck shot him a look.

“What?” he shot. “Like you didn’t notice.”

“I mean, I don’t swing that way and I noticed,” Kris admitted.

James smirked again. “Nice.”

Back at the bar, Alex let out a laugh as she flipped her long, dark brown hair over her shoulder and playfully hit Cash on the arm. Trent looked back at the others. “What did I say?” he said as he picked up his drink. “She’s not coming back.”

Chapter 8

Alex pushed her way back into the Best Friends’ locker room. James sent her a look from where he sat on the couch, watching the monitor in the corner. “Well. You won, at least,” he commented.

She completely ignored him as she crossed the room and sat down in her cubby. She was not in the mood—and it was obvious. He gave an apologetic sigh. “I’m sure Adam didn’t mean to do what he did,” he said. “Things happen in the heat of the moment.”

She continued to ignore him as she rifled through her suitcase. All she wanted was to get changed and leave—

“Alex.”

“What?” She glared at him. He frowned.

“Are you okay?”

The genuine look of concern on his face made her stop. No, she wasn’t okay. But before she could say so, Chuck and Trent came through the door. Neither of them so much as looked at Alex as they walked into the room. She grabbed her clothes and started for the bathroom—but then Trent said something that made her stop dead in her tracks.

“Are you fucking Kenny again?”

Chuck let out a frustrated breath. “Dude, come on,” he said; but Alex spoke over him.

“What?” Her voice came out in a hiss, full of venom. She couldn’t believe the nerve of him, asking her a question like that in front of Chuck and James. It wasn’t any of his business.

But he didn’t really care. “Chuck told me what happened before we left the hotel last week. And after what just happened out there… it sure seems like there’s something you need to come clean about, Alex.”

Alex took a step closer. “That’s not any of your fucking business, Trent.”

He scoffed. “That’s a yes.”

“Dude, lay off!” Chuck unexpectedly burst. “You’re being a total dick right now!”

Trent’s eyebrows arched. “I’m being a dick? She’s the one who’s been toying with your emotions for the last year!”

“WHAT?” Alex exclaimed. She was incensed. It took all of her not to throw her clothes in Trent’s face. Chuck must have thought she might because he jumped up and stood between them.

“Alex, I don’t think that, I swear,” he said. But Trent wasn’t done.

“Oh, don’t play dumb,” he spat. “You flirted with Chuck all the time while you were fucking Kenny last year because you knew he’d give you the attention you wanted but weren’t getting from Kenny. You take advantage of his feelings for you, Alex.”

“TRENT, SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Chuck whirled around to glare at him. James jumped up and stood between them.

“Okay, now’s probably not the best time for this,” he implored. But Alex had heard enough.

“Fuck you, Trent,” she spat. “And get off your high horse before you break your neck. It’s not like you’ve never tried it with me despite anyone’s feelings.”

She threw her clothes forcefully across the room and started toward the exit. Chuck’s shoulders slumped. “Alex, he’s not speaking for me!” he called. But she was already halfway out the door, trying to ignore the tears stinging at the back of her eyes.

Chapter 9

“I’m not trying to convince you that Kenny’s a bad guy. He’s not,” Trent added, as if he was worried that was what she thought he was trying to do. “I just think you deserve better than what he can probably give you.”

Trent looked back down at the floor, his piece said, and Alex did the same. But then she put the bag of candy down and pulled him into a tight hug. “It means a lot that you think that,” she said. “But you know only I can decide what’s best for me, Trent.”

“I know,” he said as he squeezed her back. “But I want the best for you, too.”

They hugged a few seconds longer before Alex pulled back. “Truce?” she asked.

He smirked. “Truce. I really don’t like fighting with you. You’re vicious.”

Her mouth dropped in mock-offense. “What?”

“Come on,” he flatly returned. “You didn’t need to throw out that comment about me trying it with you.”

“Well, you did,” she returned. “At New Year’s. Remember?”

“Yeah, I know what you were referring to,” he said with a roll of his eyes. “You looked hot that night, sue me.”

She smirked. “Aw, thanks, Trenty.”

“Shut up,” he muttered; but he was smirking, too. “Now are you gonna share those, or what?” He nodded at the Sour Patch Kids. “It’s a two-pound bag.”

Alex genially rolled her eyes as she picked up the bag and ripped it open. “You’re lucky I’m feeling generous,” she said as she offered it to him, happy to have resolved at least one of her anxieties.

Chapter 15

With every word that came out of Matt’s mouth, Alex’s heart sunk deeper and deeper into the pit of her stomach. She felt sick. If what Matt said was true, then it cast that weekend nearly two months ago in a whole new terrible light. While she’d been cuddling in front of a fire with Cash, telling him she didn’t know what she and Kenny were, asking him to share a bed with her, Kenny had been thinking only of her. She’d thought he’d just been too busy to make time for her, when in reality he’d been planning to prove to her how much he cared; how much he wanted to change for her, just like he’d said. And she hadn’t given him a chance to prove it. She’d shot his chance dead in the water. She was absolutely disgusted with herself.

Matt’s voice cut through her thoughts. “I’m sorry. But I had to tell you because I know Kenny won’t.”

Alex didn’t say anything in response. She didn’t even look at Matt before she turned on her heel and left, walking swiftly through the halls to Gorilla, in a daze. Everyone else booked for the tag match was already there when she arrived, milling around, waiting for the show to get underway. Trent spotted her the same time she did him. “There you are,” he said. “Did you get lo—”

He didn’t finish his sentence. Alex had walked right up to him, wrapped her arms around his middle, and hugged herself tight against his chest.

Everyone around turned to look. Trent went stiff, unsure what to do. “Okay, Alex,” he said. “I’m a little confused, but I’m not gonna stop it if this is what you want.”

“Trent,” she breathed. “Please. I just need a hug from my friend right now.”

He must have heard the emotion in her voice, because she felt him relax after she said that. He wrapped his arms around her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” she said.

There was a thoughtful pause. “Are you good to come out there with us?”

She didn’t answer right away. “I think so,” she decided.

“What the hell is this?” Alex suddenly heard Chuck proclaim. “I know you’re not leaving me out of a Best Friends hug right now.”

She felt Trent pick up one of his arms and make a motion as if he was cutting his hand across his throat, signaling to Chuck that now wasn’t the time for jokes. There was another pause. And then Chuck asked, “Are you okay, Alex?”

No, she thought. But she said, “I just need a minute.”

Trent rested his chin on top of her head. And then she heard James say, “Who do we have to murder?”

Me, Alex thought. But before she could say anything, Best Friends’ music started up.

Trent pulled back and looked down at her. “Are you sure you’re good?”

She nodded. “Yeah.”

“Okay.” He squeezed her shoulders and nodded toward the entrance to the babyface tunnel. “Well let’s go, then. We have some Inner Circle ass to beat.”

Chapter 16

She grabbed her phone off her bed and walked back to the mirror. She mussed her long brown hair just so and half-tucked her oversized tank top into her cutoff shorts, adjusting it so that her lacy bralette peeked out of the low-cut neck, and struck a flattering pose. She must have taken twenty photos before she finally got one she liked. It was definitely a little bit sexy; but honestly, that was what she wanted. She opened up Instagram, chose the photo from her gallery, and typed up a caption. Feeling cute, might delete later #ootd. And then she hit “post.” To everyone else, it would just look like a typical girly Instagram post. But when Kenny saw the locket around her neck, he would know.

She tossed her phone back onto the bed and went back to cleaning out her dresser. She got through the rest of the t-shirts and most of the next drawer before she couldn’t stop herself from looking anymore.

She picked up her phone and opened Instagram. The picture already had a few dozen likes, mostly from fans but a few from friends. Trent had already commented. Your pockets are longer than your shorts. She rolled her eyes.

Chapter 17

Friday evening, music streamed through the speakers in Chuck’s apartment in Philadelphia. Alex had made the near six-hour trip from Roanoke earlier that day, and she felt like Chuck, Trent, and James had been falling over themselves to make sure she was happy ever since she’d arrived. Chuck had ordered in cheesesteaks for dinner from her favorite local spot. Trent had bought her not one, but two two-pound bags of Sour Patch Kids. And James was watching her drink like a hawk, waiting to fill it back up as soon as she was done. It was kind of unnerving, especially since he was wearing his sunglasses and she couldn’t see his eyes.

Not that she needed another drink at the moment. She and Chuck were playing beer pong against Trent and James—and they were getting their asses kicked.

Alex closed one eye and poked her tongue out of the corner of her mouth, aiming for a cup in the center of the triangle on the other end of the table. She shot; and it bounced off the rim.

“Come on,” Chuck breathed. “You’re the only one of us who went to college, you should be good at this!”

“You’ve only made one!” Alex returned with a motion to James and Trent’s nearly intact triangle of cups. “That’s just one more than none!”

While they were arguing, Trent took the opportunity to sink his ping pong ball into their last remaining cup.

“GREG!” Chuck shouted.

He smirked. “Drink up, buttercup.”

“No!” Alex proclaimed. “We get to shoot until we miss.”

“Why bother?” James remarked.

“Oh, you’re dead.” Chuck said. He picked up a ping pong ball and tossed it. It landed in the cup on the right bottom corner of the triangle. He threw his arms into the air. “YES! DRINK, YOU LITTLE BITCH!”

James just smirked and took a sip of his alcohol.

Trent rubbed his hands together. “Alright, Alex. It’s all on you.”

Alex got in her shooting stance. She wasn’t sure if closing one eye was helping or hurting at this point; she’d already had a few and was starting to feel it. She aimed and fired. It started to go in a cup in the middle—but Trent used his finger to flick it back out.

Alex’s eyes widened as she let out a gasp. “Oh, you’re never gonna get to see my tits now.”

Chuck choked on his drink. Trent’s eyebrows arched. “Were you gonna show them to me?!”

She gave a nonchalant shrug. “I don’t know, maybe. I know you’re jealous that Chuck and James got to see them when they walked in on me that one time.”

“He totally is,” James said.

Trent sucked his teeth. “Man…”

Alex just smirked and took a sip of her drink.

“And on that note,” Chuck said. “It’s time for shots.” He walked over to the kitchen and pulled out four shot glasses. “What flavor does everyone want?”

That was another thing Chuck had done: he actually had made the Sour Patch Kids-infused Vodka. And from what Alex understood, it had been a pain in the ass.

“Blue raspberry,” James answered.

“I’ll try cherry,” Trent said.

Chuck filled one shot glass with blue-colored vodka and another with red-colored vodka. “Alex?” he asked. But she wasn’t paying attention.

“Where’s my phone?” she asked. She looked around the room. She thought she’d left it on the arm of the couch, but it wasn’t there. She patted her pockets, making sure she hadn’t picked it up and forgotten like a dunce; but they were empty. She started to search the cushions of the couch—but Trent walked over to her.

“Your phone? Yeah, I hid it.”

She whirled around to look at him. “What?”

He smirked. “You shouldn’t have left it just sitting out in the open when you went to the bathroom.”

“Trent,” she sighed and rolled her eyes. “Give me my phone.”

He shook his head. “No.”

She put her hands on her hips. “I’ll show them to you.”

His eyes flicked down to her chest. He seemed to consider it; but then he looked back up. “No.”

“Trent…” she whined.

“Alex…” he mimicked.

She pouted. “Why’d you hide it?”

“Because.” He put his hands on her shoulders. “One, it’ll keep you from spending all night glued to your phone waiting for whoever to text. And two, it’ll keep you from drunk texting whoever, which I’m guessing you’re about one and a half drinks away from wanting to do.”

Alex fidgeted under his gaze. He wasn’t wrong. She’d been incessantly checking her phone ever since she’d arrived, each time hoping to see a text from Cash—and each time being disappointed. They hadn’t talked since that night at the hotel, and each hour that went by without hearing from him seemed longer than the last. She knew he was hurt; she didn’t blame him for not wanting to talk to her. But she just wanted to know if he was even thinking about her. And each time she looked at her phone and didn’t see his name, it was like another papercut on her heart.

“He’s right,” Chuck said. “Forget about your phone, and anything else going on outside this apartment, just for tonight. Alright?”

He offered her a shot glass full of bright green vodka. Lime. She thought back to two nights ago, remembered how she’d missed the person she was two months ago. Tonight was a chance to be that person again, even if just for a night.

She took the shot glass from Chuck’s hand. “Cheers,” she said, and she kicked it back.

* * * * * * * * * *

Alex woke up with Trent’s arm draped over her waist atop the blanket they shared. He must have rolled over in his sleep and flung it across her. She gently grabbed his wrist and picked it up, trying to place his arm down on the air mattress in between them; but he pulled it back and snuggled with his pillow, dead asleep. She smirked to herself. She’d always been jealous of how he could sleep like a fucking rock.

Chapter 20

“Okay. You, me, darts. If I win, you show me your boobs.”

Adam watched as Alex playfully rolled her eyes at Trent’s suggestion. She was a shot of Jose and a beer-and-a-half deep and feeling it; he could tell by the lazy smile on her lips. She always got that smile when she drank.

“And if I win?” she asked.

Trent looked up, deep in thought. “If you win… I’ll pay for your next set of gear.”

“Deal,” Alex immediately accepted, and she grabbed Trent’s wrist and pulled him over to the dart boards, a satisfied grin on his face. Adam shook his head as they went.

“Y’all are weird,” he said with a drink of his nearly empty beer.

“Oh come on,” Chuck returned. “You’ve known Alex longer than us. You were probably acquainted with Mariposa years before we ever gave her a name.”

He shook his head. “No comment.”

“That’s guilty,” James quipped.

“Yeah, it is,” Chuck smirked in agreement.

Adam drained the rest of his beer to hide his grin. He almost hadn’t come out with them tonight—he was surprised they’d still wanted to at all, after what the Inner Circle had done to Orange—but he was glad he had. If he hadn’t, he’d just be sitting in his hotel room, ruminating. About how his relationships with his girlfriend and his tag team partner were falling apart at the seams, about how he wasn’t sure who his real friends were anymore. Buzzing on whiskey and with nothing better to do, he’d confronted FTR back at the arena about what they’d done to Ricky Morton last week, about how Dax had faked a leg injury the week before that—and they’d completely turned it around on him. Something about how it wasn’t personal; how they’d needed to know if they could trust him after all the nasty things Matt, Nick, and Kenny had said about them; something about how he’d always been stuck in their shadow. They weren’t wrong. And with a tag team gauntlet match next week to determine who would get a shot at Adam and Kenny’s championships at All Out, Adam wasn’t sure he wanted to give Matt and Nick yet another opportunity to eclipse him.

“You guys want another?” James asked.

“Yeah,” Chuck said while Adam nodded. “Put it on Trent’s tab.”

James pointed at him as he stood from the table. “Was already planning on it.”

He walked off, and Adam’s eyes drifted to where Alex played darts with Trent. She stood close to him, her fingers laced behind her back, and just as he was about to throw his dart, she tilted her chin up, pursed her lips, and blew into his ear. He flinched, and she let out a loud laugh as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to say something in her ear. Alex pushed him away, a flirtatious grin on her face, and Trent turned back to the board and threw his dart.

“Trent certainly seems to like Mariposa,” Adam remarked.

Chuck scoffed as he glanced over his shoulder. “Are you kidding? He loves her.” He turned back around. “It annoyed me when I had feelings for Alex, too.”

* * * * * * * * * *

“You do realize you’re about to lose, right?”

She pursed her lips at Trent. “We haven’t been scoring properly.”

“But I’ve gotten more closer to the bullseye than you.”

Alex just took another sip of her beer. Trent squared up and tossed his final dart. It stuck in the single bullseye.  

He gave her a cocky smirk. “I’d say that’s a pretty definitive victory.”

“Congratulations,” she slyly returned.

He rubbed his hands together, basking in his win. “So, where do you want to do this? The bathroom? Actually, no—I can wait until we get back to the hotel. I want you to be as comfortable as possible.”

Alex stepped close and put her hand on his shoulder; he reflexively put his on her hip. She frowned apologetically up at him. “Oh, Trent. Mariposa made the bet, but it’s Alex’s body.”

His head fell back. “Goddammit,” he breathed.

A wide grin broke out over her face. “Come on, I need a refill.”

Chapter 22

There was a beat of shocked silence. Alex tensed, bracing for their reaction. And then Chuck gaped, “Callie broke up with Adam and now she’s staying with Matt Jackson?”

She nodded again. “Apparently.”

More silence. And then Jim said, “That’s a clear violation of bro code.”

“No shit,” Trent added. “What an asshole.”

“Of the highest order,” Alex agreed. “After Adam did what he did, Matt came barging in here to scream at me about how I must have had something to do with it.”

Trent blinked and shook his head, his eyebrows arched high on his forehead, like he didn’t comprehend what she’d just said. “I’m sorry, what?”

Alex rolled her eyes. “Matt thinks I put Adam up to sabotaging them,” she muttered.

“What?” Chuck shot. “Why?”

“Because he’s a dick,” she returned. “He said I had ‘every reason’ to do it and that I have Adam wrapped around my finger just like I do Kenny.”

Alex stared at the floor, anxiously chewing at her lip. Of all the awful things Matt had said, that was what had hurt her the most. She didn’t give a shit what he thought about her—but if there was even a chance that Kenny or Adam felt that way, like she’d manipulated them somehow… she wouldn’t be able to bear it.

“Okay, let me get this straight,” Trent said, pulling her out of her thoughts. “Matt violated bro code by shacking up with his friend’s ex-girlfriend—”

“Major violation,” Jim interjected.

“—and then when Adam retaliated, Matt barged in here and blamed you for it?”

“More or less,” Alex confirmed.

Trent stared back at her, stunned. And then he at looked Orange. “Jim, let’s go.”

He abruptly stood from his seat. Jim did the same, albeit much more lazily.

“What’re you doing?” Alex charged.

“Not letting Matt get away with being a complete fucking asshole to you,” Trent answered, and he went out the door, James right behind him. Alex jumped up and went after them.

“Trent, wait. I handled it!”

“I’m sure you did,” he returned. “And I’m gonna back you up.”

“I don’t need you to!”

“Well I’m gonna back up Adam then, how about that?”

Alex stopped, taken aback by his response. Pride swelled in her chest. Suddenly, she didn’t want to stop him anymore.

She hurried to catch up with them as they marched around the corner toward the Elite’s locker room—and she nearly froze again. Matt and Nick were approaching from the other end of the hall, and they both looked just as pissed as Trent.

“Perfect!” Trent proclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “Just who I was looking for.”

Matt’s brow lowered. “Oh yeah? For what? Come to gloat about your dirty win?”

“Yikes,” Trent winced. “Someone sounds salty.”

“What do you want, Trent?” Nick shot.

“That’s a great question, Nick!” They all came to a stop as they met in the middle of the hall, Trent across from Matt, Jim across from Nick. Trent’s eyes narrowed down at Matt. “I would like to know why the hell your brother thinks Alex had anything to do with Hangman screwing you two over when he’s the one who’s trying to screw his ‘friend’s’ ex-girlfriend.”

Matt balked. “Excuse me?” He turned dark, hostile eyes on Alex. “Is that what you told him? That I’m trying to—”

“Don’t talk to her,” Trent firmly cut him off. “I asked you the question, so you fucking talk to me.”

Alex held her breath. Matt glared at Trent. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

“Really? Because the situation seems pretty obvious to me.”

“Yeah? Well then put two-and-two together, Trent,” Matt spat. “You want to talk about screwing? Alex here is fucking one half of the tag team champions, and the other half wants to fuck her. Oh, and the guys who won the gauntlet? She was fucking one of them, too. Probably still is, I honestly don’t know. So yeah, I think she had a hand in screwing us over. More than a hand, pr—”

He was abruptly cut off when Trent’s fist collided hard with his jaw. He dropped like a rock to the floor.

Alex let out a gasp and jumped back. Nick started for Trent, but Jim pushed him and sent him stumbling over his brother so that he had to catch himself against the wall. Matt blinked on the floor, dazed. Trent loomed over him, his hands balled into fists at his sides.

“That was for Adam, too. And if I ever hear Alex’s name in your mouth again, I’ll hold you down so she can punt you in the dick.”

He gave him one final threatening glare, and then he turned and took Alex’s hand. “Come on.”

He pulled her back down the hall. Jim didn’t immediately follow them. Instead, he held up his hands, stuck up both his middle fingers at Matt and Nick, and then turned and walked nonchalantly away.

Alex was in a state of shock as Trent led her around the corner. “Holy shit,” she breathed.

“Are you alright?” He stopped and looked down at her hand that he still held. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m okay. Just… shocked.” She let out a breath, “At this rate everyone on the roster is gonna get punched in the face because of me.”

“No, Matt got punched in the face because of Matt,” he corrected. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I think you should’ve punted him in the dick then,” Jim added.

A grateful smile curled the corners of her lips. “Well, thank you. This time I’m not upset that someone got punched.”

Trent returned her grin and gave her hand a squeeze; but then he winced and pulled away. Alex frowned in concern.

“Is your hand alright?”

“I think so.” He flexed his fingers and looked at his knuckles. They were red and angry. “I should probably ice it, though. He’s got a hard fucking head.”

She smirked. “Well come on then, Rocky. Let’s get you some ice for that right jab.”

* * * * * * * * * *

Alex and the boys had left the arena as soon as they could. After the heartbreak of the gauntlet match and the chaos of the aftermath, they’d decided to grab some burgers, go back to the hotel, and just veg out in front of the TV for the rest of the evening. It was doing the trick; Alex felt a lot better now that she had a greasy bag full of Five Guys fries, even if she did have to share them with Trent.

“I still can’t believe I missed you drop Matt Jackson,” Chuck proclaimed as he bit into a french fry.

“Yeah, it was pretty bad-ass,” Trent casually stated as he sat next to Alex on her bed. “Alex was super turned on by it.”

Alex sputtered out a laugh. “What? I did not say that.”

“You didn’t have to,” he returned with a wink.

She pursed her lips and snatched the bag of fries from him. “You don’t get any more for that.”

“Someone sounds called out,” Jim remarked. Trent smirked. Alex glared at them both.

Chapter 23

Alex didn’t want to sit backstage any longer. She hurried to Gorilla and went through the tunnel and down the ramp. She shot Santana and Ortiz a glare as she passed them and ducked through the ropes. They smirked and talked shit, but she ignored them as she knelt next to Trent on the mat.

“Hey, are you okay?”

He didn’t look thrilled to see her. “What’re you doing out here?” he groaned.

She just pursed her lips and helped him sit up. He was obviously in pain. Chuck rolled into the ring and they both helped Trent to his feet.

“What happened?” Chuck asked.

Alex glowered at the retreating backs of Santana and Ortiz. “Santana hit Trent with that baton of his. Bryce didn’t see it.”

“Fuck,” Chuck breathed.

They all exited the ring and went back up the ramp. Trent leaned on Alex’s shoulders and she wrapped her arm around his waist for support as they walked slowly back through the tunnel. Gorilla was full of people when they returned backstage. An eight-man tag match was next, pitting SCU and Private Party against Jurassic Express and the Young Bucks; the winning teams would face each other that Saturday at All Out. Alex noticed Matt and Nick out of the corner of her eye, but she ignored them. Unfortunately, Matt and Nick didn’t give them the same courtesy.

“Sucks losing unfairly, doesn’t it?” Nick smirked.

Alex shot him a venomous glare. “Mind your business, Nick.”

Matt let out a laugh. “Oh, that’s rich.”  

“Alright, seriously,” Chuck spoke up. “I’ve had enough of your bullshit and I wasn’t even there when Trent knocked your ass out.”

“He didn’t knock me out,” Matt insisted again.

Alex scoffed. “Yeah he fucking did.”

He turned his glare on her. “Why don’t you go get bent, Alex? It’s what you’re best at.”

Trent pulled away from her and walked threateningly up to Matt. Nick stepped between them, but he completely ignored him. “I thought I warned you about saying anything to her ever again.”

Matt nodded. “Yeah, you did. But you didn’t do shit about it last night, and you won’t do shit about it now.”

“Try me,” Trent challenged.

A cruel, cocky smirk curled Matt’s lips. “Alex is a sl—”

Trent lunged for him, but Nick pushed him back. Chuck ran over and grabbed Nick, spun him around and tossed him away, and with the coast clear, Trent speared Matt into a stack of equipment crates with a violent crash. The four of them starting brawling, throwing fists left and right, but the chaos was short-lived. Jurassic Express pried apart Chuck and Nick while SCU did the same for Trent and Matt. The latter pair fought tooth and nail to get back at each other.

“You want your mixed tag match?” Matt shouted as he strained against Kazarian’s grip. “You got it, next Wednesday. And I’ll make sure I knock you the fuck out.”

“You’re on,” Trent spat. “But trust me: you won’t even get the chance to try before Alex makes your girl tap.”

He shoved Scorpio off him, and he, Chuck, and Alex backed out of Gorilla, the gauntlet officially thrown.

Chapter 25

They all reset, and Shawn served the ball. Chuck easily bumped it back, but when Callie scrambled to hit it over the net, it flew straight up into the air instead. Cash rushed forward as it came back down and whacked it as hard as he could—sending it flying like a missile right at Alex. She didn’t even have time to pivot before it beaned her hard in the shoulder and careened off into the water.

“Shit!” she cursed.

“Point!” Dax loudly proclaimed.

“Really?!” Chuck shouted. “You have something smart to say about Alex spiking the ball but nothing about Cash hitting it as hard as he can right at her?”

“Come on, it wasn’t on purpose,” Cash defended. He looked at Alex through the net. “I’m sorry. Are you alright?”

Alex gripped her shoulder as she stared back at him. It stung from the impact of the wet volleyball and was throbbing already. There would undoubtedly be a nice bruise there tomorrow. However, to Cash’s credit, he seemed genuinely remorseful—but then she noticed Callie roll her eyes over his shoulder. She bit down on her jaw.

“I’m fine.”

He frowned, but she turned away and looked at Trent. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.

She nodded. “Serve the ball.”

She rolled her shoulder and turned back to face the net. Trent served the ball. It went right to Peyton and she hit it back over. Orange popped it up, and just like she had before, Alex spiked the ball to the other side.

Crack!

“FUCK!”              

Except that time, it hit Callie right in the face.

Blood poured from her nose and dripped into the pool. Peyton told her to pinch her nostrils and tilt her head forward. Cash rushed to her side through the water. He glared daggers at Alex.

“What the fuck, Alex?”

She opened her mouth to say it was an accident, to assure them it was, but no sound came out. Her vocal cords were frozen.

“It was an accident,” Trent returned.

“Didn’t look like it from here,” Dax chirped.

“Oh, shut up,” Chuck groaned.

“It was an accident!” Alex finally blurted. She looked at Callie’s retreating back as Cash helped her toward the pool steps. “Callie, I’m sorry.”

But she didn’t acknowledge her at all, and then Cash whisked her away, holding a towel to her nose. Thankfully, Dax went with them.

“Well, I guess that’s the end of that,” Shawn awkwardly announced. Peyton shot him a chastising look, and then they exited the pool and left, too.

Alex stared in silence into the water. Her nose burned. She hadn’t meant for that to happen. She hadn’t meant for Callie to get hurt. She didn’t want it to be like this between them anymore. She wanted her friend back.

“Hey,” Trent waded over to her. She felt him put his hand on the small of her back underneath the water. “It was an accident,” he gently repeated. “She’ll be alright.”

Alex’s nose burned even more when he said that. “I’m gonna go see if Kenny’s ready to leave,” she said, and she didn’t wait for a response before she climbed out of the pool, grabbed her things, and left.

[ask-stjerne-and-logan]

BaFS Fanfiction: Chapter 5: The Clouds Remain.

It was a matter of minutes before they reached Ozpin's office. Once they did, Ozpin sat down in his chair with an agitated look. The fact that He seemed suddenly worried about something, surprised Glynda and Qrow.

"Oz? Are you alright?" Qrow asked.

"I'm....I'm sorry. It's something that bothered me since we came back." Ozpin shook his head.

"You said it was Stjerne?" Glynda asked.

"Yes. It's her powers of Virgo. I think they are starting to awaken." Ozpin answered.

"What?" Qrow seemed surprised.

"But I thought you said that the powers don't awaken until the user is of the age of maturity." Glynda stated.

"In a normal case, yes. However, the circumstances with Stjerne have proven this to be an abnormal case." Ozpin clarified.

"How so?" Qrow asked.

"You all know that I told you that the powers of Virgo will pass on to the next person destined to receive them." Ozpin started.

"Right. You said that the destined receiver will bear a mark on the wrist of their non-dominent hand." Glynda said.

"And the mark either takes form of the constellation of Orion or Virgo, depending on the descendent." Qrow filled in.

"Along with the fact that these powers will pass on from the old user to the receiver upon his or her age of maturity, as I mentioned before." Glynda finished.

"Correct. Among the regular circumstances, there have been some extremely rare instances where the power passes on to the destined receiver at a very early age. Most of the times, the circumstance has proven to be death to the user, and an early transfer of the powers. If not trained, these powers will prove to be unruly and dangerous. Such is the reason why Ōrajios are given to the receiver upon their age of maturity." Ozpin explained.

"So? Let's give Stjerne an Ōrajio and there's nothing to be nothing to worry about, right?" Qrow suggested.

"It's not as simple as that Qrow." Ozpin shook his head, "If we give Stjerne an Ōrajio now, we may end up crippling her powers which would eventually lead to her aura."

"How would that happen?" Glynda asked, "Stjerne had just managed to activate lightning dust while we were in that store. I noticed at the last minute when we were getting the groceries. By the looks of it, she managed to do it without touching the crystal."

"Wait, seriously?" Qrow seemed surprised.

"That sounds more like she triggered her aura instead. Then again most dust is purified, and the powers of Virgo are passively connected to aura...." Ozpin said thoughtfully, "Anyway, Ōrajios are very powerful objects, made with unpurified dust of every type. Dust is triggered by Aura, but in this case, the dust is attracted to the powers and will dull their ability to activate. In our case, the dust will do more then dull Stjerne's powers; It will dull and weaken her aura, feeding off of it until she has no more aura to spare. Her powers will be crippled and her aura would be rendered deformed. If this happens, Stjerne will get ill and possibly die from it even." Ozpin answered.

"No." Glynda gasped, clearly horrified.

"Oz, are you serious?" Qrow was just as scared.

"Unfortunately yes." Ozpin nodded grimly, "The reason Ōrajios are given to the receiver on their age of maturity, is because they will have been trained to generate more aura, enough to keep themselves alive, and to keep it from the jewel itself."

"So, we would have to train her and keep an eye on Stjerne while she is this young?" Glynda asked.

"Yes." Ozpin nodded grimly

"You're going to train her, right?" Qrow asked.

"Well, I trained Saffron. I'm sure I can train Stjerne. I'll keep her in my office during the school day, where I can keep an eye on her. I'll squeeze some training in here and there." Ozpin said.

"Sounds adequate. But I don't know if it's possible to keep Stjerne in your office all the time." Glynda commented.

"Other times, she can stay in the lounge, her room, my room downstairs, and other places where the students won't see her and ask questions." Ozpin said.

"Heh. Well you look like you got things under control now!" Qrow grinned.

"Well, now I do." Ozpin remarked.

"The other teachers and I can watch her when we aren't working." Glynda suggested.

"Thank you. That will be most convenient." Ozpin sat back, feeling very relieved that this problem had been settled.

"Heh. We better get back down before Stjerne gives Pete a heart attack and sends Barty into a panic." Qrow suggested.

"Right. Let's go." Ozpin agreed and stood up. The three teachers then made their way back to the lounge.

---------

Oobleck had started a game of hide and seek in the lounge, which proved to be an unfair game to the two professors. Being a grown men, there weren't many hiding places. It was easy for Port to find Oobleck, who had tried pretending to be a lamp. On the other hand, Stjerne was small and could easily hide anywhere that fitted her. In this case, she chose to hide in an air vent, located in the wall near the door. The grate was black, with long thin steel bars running across the frame. Stjerne lied down on her stomach, quietly giggling as the two professors looked everywhere to try and find her.

"She can't have gone far." Oobleck remarked, checking inside the closet. Port checked under a chair and ended up hitting his head.

"What are you two doing now?" Glynda asked as she walked in. The door covered the sight of the vent.

"We were playing hide and seek with Stjerne and now we can't find her." Port stood up, dusting himself off.

"We had no idea she was that good. She could be anywhere." Oobleck nodded, looking in the oven.

"I'm not sure you're gonna find Stjerne in an oven. She should be old enough to determine safe places to hide." Qrow laughed.

"Well, I hope she turns up soon." Ozpin grinned.

"I give up. You Barty?" Port threw up his hands in defeat. Oobleck zipped over and nodded in agreement.

"Stjerne, come out! We give up!" He called. Upon hearing this, Stjerne pushed her hardest against the grate but it wouldn't budge. Her socks slid on the metal in the vent. She kept trying but kept slipping.

"Help!" She called. The teachers turned their heads at the noise.

"Stjerne? Where are you?" Glynda asked.

"In here! In the vent by the door!" Stjerne yelled. Glynda closed the door to see Stjerne pushing against the vent, her hands holding onto the grate.

"How in the world did you manage to hide in there?" Ozpin leaned over his cane, an amused smile on his lips.

"I pulled the grate out and slid in. Then I pulled it back over again. I thought it would be easy to get out." Stjerne explained.

"Well, next time you might want to consider your options on where to hide." Glynda said, using her telekinesis to pull the grate out a again. Stjerne fell out with a thud and stood up, dusting herself off.

"Look at you. You have dust all over you dress now." Glynda scolded.

"Sorry." Stjerne said timidly.

"It's fine. Why don't we see what kind of clothes you have to wear." Glynda suggested.

"We left that suitcase on her bed in her room Glynda." Qrow sipped from his flask.

"Alright. We'll be back in a few minutes." Glynda walked out of the room, Stjerne close behind.

"Heh. While I'm here, let's have a poker party guys!" Qrow suggested.

"That sounds like a fun idea for tonight." Ozpin agreed.

"Well, we may as well." Oobleck grinned, "who's getting the beer?"

"I'll fly back to Vale and see what I can get. Anything else?" Qrow moved closer to an open window.

"Hm...what about pretzels and nuts?" Port suggested.

"Better get something for the girls. Ice cream and cake perhaps?" Ozpin suggested, thinking of Glynda, Peach and Stjerne.

"Heh. Sounds good. Be back in 15 minutes." Qrow jumped out the window and changed into his crow form, flying off into the distance.

"Well, who has the poker set?" Ozpin asked.

"It's in my room. I'll go get it." Oobleck zipped out of the room.

"So, are we playing strip poker, or?" Port asked.

"Peter Port, we have a 6 year old girl with us. We cannot expose such explicit subjects like this to her at her age." Ozpin scolded.

"Oh. Sorry." Peter blushed.

"We'll play for money." Ozpin grinned.

"Ugh...do we have to?" Port groaned. Out of the 4 men that played poker in that group, Port was the worst. He claimed to be good at first, but after losing some games to his companions, it was clear to see that Port was a terrible poker player, and an even worse gambler. Oobleck, in the mean time, came back with the poker set and a deck of cards.

"So, what game are we playing? For money or Strip?" He grinned.

"Money. While Stjerne is with us, we'll have to refrain from playing strip poker." Ozpin announced.

"Well, at least I can deal with playing for money!!!" Oobleck cheered.

"Ugh. Now I can't get those rounds I need for My Blunderbuss." Port groaned.

________________________________________________________________________________

Two hours later, the group was still playing. Peach was still sitting on the couch, eating the ice cream Qrow had bought. Glynda and Stjerne were sitting on the ground, in front of the table near the couch, playing a game of Apology. Stjerne was close to winning, as she had nearly all of her green tokens in her home base.

"Ha ha! See if you can beat me, Glynda!" Stjerne cackled as Glynda rolled her dice.

"Fine. If that's how you want to play!" Glynda used her telekinese to roll her dice, which ended up being a 3 and a 2. Glynda made her move and got one of her pieces into her base, leaving only two pieces left.

"There." She grinned smugly.

"Heh." Stjerne grinned and rolled her dice, which ended up as being a 5 and a 6. She made her move on her last piece and made it to the final base.

"Apology!" Stjerne cheered.

"Ack! Please be a little more quiet over there, will you?" Port asked.

"Sorry Peter." Glynda called.

"Whats going on over there?" Stjerne asked.

"Oh, the rest of those dolts are gambling on their game of Poker." Glynda sighed.

"I bet you can beat them in a game of Poker! With your telekinese, you can easily beat them!" Stjerne exclaimed.

"Telekinesis isn't the same as telepathy. There's a difference." Glynda explained, putting the board away.

"Still. Maybe you can beat them!"

"Hm. Maybe. If they let me play." Glynda said thoughtfully, "for now, why don't you go see what they're up to."

"Okay!" She agreed. Glynda stood up and pulled her wallet out. She decided to gamble. Normally she didn't like gambling but she couldn't resist placing a bet every now and then.

"Mind if I join in?" She asked, casually.

"Hm. If you want. But can you wait until this game is over?" Ozpin asked.

"Sure." Glynda sat in a chair and watched them. Stjerne came over and stood near Ozpin. She couldn't really see what was going on, so she stood on her toes, trying to get a glimpse. Ozpin noticed and layed his cards down, hoisting Stjerne onto his lap.

"You can sit here for the time being. Don't help them cheat though" He said, a smile playing on his lips.

"I won't." Stjerne promised. The game went on for a few minutes and finally, Ozpin won the match.

"Ohh! Good one!" Oobleck grinned.

"Heh. I'm flushed out." Qrow shrugged, folding.

"That's it. I quit." Port folded and walked away. A good half of his money was still on the table.

"Alright. I'll take Peter's place." Glynda sat down between Ozpin and Oobleck. The game started and was getting pretty intense, until it came to the final round. Glynda had managed to get Oobleck knocked out of the game, and was now facing off against Ozpin. After a few tense minutes, each showed their cards. Ozpin had a royal flush, while Glynda had a pair of Aces, knocking Ozpin out.

"Good game Glynda." Ozpin shook her hand.

"Beginners luck I suppose." Glynda shook his hand and took the lien that was on the table.

"Well, what should we play next?" Oobleck asked, "How about Remnant, the game?"

"I could go for a good game." Qrow nodded. Oobleck grabbed the game down from the shelf.

"Haha! I'll be Vacuo, as always."

"Minstral for me." Qrow grinned.

"I'll be Vale." Ozpin grinned.

"What is it with you men and that game?" Glynda shook her head.

"Come on Glynda. It's fun! Even Tai plays." Qrow spoke up.

"Can I watch?" Stjerne asked.

"Of course." Ozpin consented.

"I guess I'm stuck with Atlas then." Oobleck set up the game.

The three teachers and one huntsmen sat around the table, the cards dealt out and pieces set up. Stjerne still sat on Ozpin's lap, watching him play. There was some tense battling between the kingdoms, Oobleck won a battle against Ozpin, and Qrow managed to defeat Port.

"No!!! How do you do this?" Port wailed dramatically.

"This is what happens whenever they play this game." Glynda, finishing some paperwork.

"Your turn." Oobleck said to Ozpin.

"Alright. What to do?" Ozpin mused. Stjerne caught a glimpse of his cards and watched him make a move.

"I shall deploy the huntsmen ground force against Qrow." Ozpin placed his card down on the table.

"Oz, you traitor!" Qrow said in his best dramatic voice.

"Looks like I get to kill more then 1/3rd of your ground forces of Ursa and Beowolves. Which I will use to make a frontal attack to gain more land." Ozpin said smugly

"Heh. Dream on Oz. You just activated my trap card." Qrow pulled out his flask and flipped a card down on the table, "Rapier wasp attack. If I roll a 7 or higher, rapier wasps will shot your huntsmen down."

"Don't forget that if you roll a 6 or lower, the wasps will turn on your forces." Ozpin reminded him.

"Chance I'm willing to take, Oz." Qrow grinned, rolling the dice. Suddenly a leg of his chair snapped and Qrow fell to the ground, the dice flying out of his hand and landing on the table. It was a 2.

"Sorry Qrow. Trap card foiled." Ozpin sighed, "looks like I win this one."

"Darn it. If it weren't for my semblance, I would have aced that roll." Qrow stood up and dusted himself off.

"Wait, what?" Stjerne spoke up, confused.

"My semblance is bad luck, kiddo. It can affect me or the people I'm with. The problem there is that it's on 24/7. I can't turn it on and I can't turn it off." Qrow answered.

"I didn't know luck could be a semblance!" Stjerne sounded excited.

"Well, I wouldn't get excited about my semblance kid. It's been a curse to me my entire life." Qrow shook his head, grabbing another chair.

"What other semblances are there?" Stjerne looked up at Ozpin.

"Well, there are several kinds. For instance, Professor Oobleck here uses a kind of speed." Ozpin answered thoughtfully.

"It's Doctor!" Oobleck corrected.

"Right, doctor. Sorry." Ozpin shook his head.

"Why call him Doctor?" Stjerne looked confused.

"Because I went the extra mile to earn my PhD for Geography and Archeology!" Oobleck answered proudly.

"Huh. I thought it was because you went the extra mile to win a marathon." Stjerne said innocently. Everyone burst out laughing at that. Even Glynda found herself bent over in laughter. Oobleck was the only one who deadpanned at this.

"Ohahahaha!!! That was good......" Qrow laughed.

"Indeed......" Ozpin gasped for breath, holding his gut.

"Someone please kill me!!!" Glynda was on her knees, banging her head on the table.

"Not funny." Oobleck shook his head and picked Stjerne up, looking at her dead in the the eye. Stjerne didn't do anything until she suddenly made a grab for Oobleck's glasses.

"Don't....touch those!" Oobleck dodged.

"I have to know! Are your eyes blue or brown?!" Stjerne protested, still reaching for them.

"They're blue. Why?!" Oobleck stumbled a bit.

"Because I can't tell! How can you even see in those?!" Suddenly Oobleck tripped backwards and fell to the ground, Stjerne still in his grasp.

"Okay. I think that's enough excitement for one night." Ozpin picked up Stjerne, who was still a bit feisty on Oobleck.

"I agree. It's 7:00 pm, and I think it's about time for you to get some sleep." Glynda said, straightening up.

"Awww..." Stjerne groaned.

"The faster you go to sleep, the sooner it will be morning." Glynda promised.

"Fine. But can Oz put me to bed? Please?" Stjerne asked.

"Well, okay." Ozpin consented after a few minutes, taking Stjerne by the hand and leaving the room. Glynda stood silently with the other teachers and Qrow.

"Well, I've never seen him act like this around us." Oobleck remarked after Ozpin had left. He had picked himself back up and was standing behind Glynda.

"I think I know why he does." Glynda said quietly, "Believe it or not, Ozpin has a father's love. He told me that he tried to show it through his duties as a Headmaster, but for him, it's very hard, especially since he has to show his authority most of the time. It doesn't show much to the students, and that discouraged him from trying harder. When Stjerne came into our lives, I think Ozpin is trying to show his love the way he wanted to. I think it's quite touching, really."

The other teachers thought quietly about this. They had never known Ozpin, their confident Headmaster, to have any sort of love of this type. To them, it was rather unexpected.

"Well. I must say I never thought about it this way before." Oobleck said quietly after a few minutes.

"Heh. Would explain why he's being like that." Qrow shrugged.

"I know. Neither did I at first. Just.... Don't speak about this to Ozpin." Glynda pleaded. Qrow, Port and Oobleck nodded their heads silently in agreement.

_______________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Ozpin had taken Stjerne to her room and was helping her get ready for bed. She had changed into a night gown and had brushed her teeth. She now lay in bed, Ozpin tucking her in.

"I'm sure you'll have no trouble sleeping in your room from here on out." Ozpin promised. Inwardly, he felt a twinge of pain fill his heart. He hadn't shown these kinds of feelings of love for a small child such as Stjerne in ages. It made him happy, and yet very sad. He knew that he wasn't the real father of this child and that the girl's real father was high up in the heavens, watching and pleading him to look after his girl the way he would have. Deep down inside, Ozpin wished that he could have been the father of this girl, but he knew that destiny had it in a different way. He fell silent after he spoke. He quietly rose to leave, but Stjerne grabbed his hand and hugged his arm.

"Thank you Ozpin." She whispered. Ozpin seemed a bit surprised, but he smiled sadly at the girl. He hugged her and layed her back down.

"Just get some sleep. You'll need all the energy you can get for tommorow." Ozpin said. Stjerne nodded her head and closed her eyes. Ozpin left quietly and closed the door.

When he made it back to the lounge, he talked to the other teachers about Stjerne's situation.

"So, you're saying that we need to keep her away from dust?" Oobleck asked.

"Yes. If Stjerne has a necklace of any type of dust or any cartridge or round, make sure that it is disposed of properly. Since Peach mainly the one who manages our dust, make sure she knows." Ozpin insisted.

"Alright then. Keep Stjerne away from dust." Port clarified.

"Precisely." Ozpin affirmed.

"We should all get to bed. It's 8:50 in the night. It's best we get some sleep." Glynda suggested.

"Right. Goodnight all!" Oobleck saluted before zipping away.

"Good night everyone." Port said as he walked away.

"Well, goodnight Oz, Glynda." Qrow walked off towards his temporary room that Oz had reserved for him, whenever he came back from missions. Ozpin seemed downhearted and unhappy somehow. Glynda seemed to notice and put her hand on his shoulder.

"I know that look. what are you feeling?" Glynda asked softly.

"I...I shouldn't be like this. The girl isn't even my child, I..." Ozpin started.

"Oz. We talked about this. Whether you like it or not, that girl now looks up to you as her father. So it time you put your doubt aside and start caring for the child as if she were your own." Glynda said softly but sternly.

"But...I feel like I had taken Verusium's role away from him. He's her real father, and Stjerne never even knew him. Verusium would be mad if he saw me now." Ozpin shook his head.

"No, he wouldn't. Verusium knew what had to be done, and he did it. He did his best, but he didn't return. If he were here now, he would feel proud that you took the role as father to the child. After all, isn't it in every man's interest to see that he is a good and loving father to his child?" Glynda asked.

"Yes....you're right. I'm sorry. I just... I never before had the chance to express this love I felt for any child. She's so much like her mother. I feel guilty whenever I see her." Ozpin started tearing up. Glynda noticed this and hugged him.

"Saffron and Verusium would be proud of you. They both would." She promised. Ozpin nodded and stood up.

"Thank you, Glynda."

"It was no trouble sir. If you don't need me, then I'll be off to get some sleep." Glynda yawned.

"You're excused." Ozpin consented. Both the teachers parted ways after saying their goodnights to each other. As Ozpin lay in his bed, he couldn't help but think about Stjerne, and the daunting responsability of training her powers.

"It won't be easy, I know that. But...I'm sure I can do it." Ozpin thought. He feel asleep, more confident then ever about his task ahead.

-------

Here you guys go! Still can't believe I mentioned Strip poker of all things😫😫😫. Headcannon here is the they only do it above waist, so that should be clean enough. 😣😣😣

@phoenix-no, @saiyoyuutsume, @aquarius-power

[freddie-roger-brian-john]

And they were roommates

A/N - sorry @casafrass , I accidentally deleted your request but here we are, a classic bed sharing fic. (Btw sorry if there isn’t a read more link, tumblr being weird atm. I know having to scroll past really long posts is annoying whoop)

Warnings - swearing, angst, fluff, cliche

Word count - 4K (longest one yet ahh)

Pairing - Joe!John Deacon x f!reader

——————

It was just one of those days. It was a day where everything little thing had gone wrong. Y/N had slept through her alarm, lost her hairbrush, her makeup hadn't come out right, the snow had soaked through her shoes, arrived at the airport late, almost missed her flight, was seated next to a mother and crying child, and the turbulence had felt like the plane was going to go down.

She was at the point where the smallest thing, even something like the strap of her handbag falling off her shoulder, would've caused tears to fill her eyes.

But, she was in America for a good reason - at least, that's what she kept telling herself. She's here to attend a joyous event where the only crying should be that of extreme glee for the two people standing at the alter.

[[MORE]]

One of her best friends, Roger Taylor, was getting married to her other best friend. She knew she was going to be maid of honour before the bride to be had even asked and so, she had accepted with grin and anticipation for the big day.

But now? Now she was wishing the pair could've just gotten married back in London.

"Oh thank god, you're here!" Roger called out as he saw Y/N walk through the hotel doors, snow in her hair, luggage in her hands, and a grimace on her face. The porter took her suitcase and bags from her and, once she was free from the burden of travelling with a 'just in case' attitude, Roger brought her into a hug.

"Christ, your coat's soaked through," he commented as her clothes sent a shiver down his spine. "You must be freezing."

"You have no idea," she told him. "The snow's up to my knees now. Why the hell did you have to have a winter wedding? Why couldn't you have gotten married in the spring like everyone else."

He smiled teasingly at your obviously horrid mood.

"Well, where's the fun in that?" He grinned. "Here, take my jacket." He took off his fur coat and, after Y/N had peeled off her own, wrapped it around her. It immediately sent warmth running up and down her body and Roger could practically hear the 'thank you' in her closed eyes and soft smile.

"And how's the fiancée?" Y/N asked. Roger's smile fell.

"Ah, well, a little stressed to be completely honest with you," he admitted. "Your's was the last flight to land here. The snow's gotten so bad that nothing else is taking off or landing."

"Shit," she said in response. "Are most of the guests here?"

"Well yes, but unfortunately that causes a whole other problem," Roger explained. "With all the people stranded in the airport and such a big party taking up rooms in the hotel, some people are going to have to double up."

This was it. This was the small thing that was going to make her cry. She shook her head, eyes to the sky, and tried to hold back.

"Well that's great," she huffed. "Please tell me I've got a decent roommate." Roger shrugged.

"The hotel's done it randomly to make things easier," he told her. "Thankfully, me and the future wife got a room together so we're all good."

"So I've most likely got a random tourist to cosy up with?" Y/N sighed, rubbing her eyes with exhaustion.

"You might get a fellow guest?" Roger tried to offer some comfort. "What room are you in? I might know who's with you." Y/N doubted her luck would be that good after such a dismal day.

"Room 46," she said, no hope evident in her voice. Roger's eyes widened. "What?"

"Nothing," He assured her, though he sounded like a child who had just been caught stealing a biscuit.

"Roger," she said sternly. He sighed, his wide eyes closing.

"I don't want to say," he said.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want you to hit me."

But Y/N knew who it was. She could see the answer in Roger's apprehensive stance. She could tell from the way he almost coward away from her.

Her roomie was John Deacon.

She walked right passed Roger, her shoulder accidentally hitting his as she stormed off towards the lift that would take her to the room of her nightmares.

If there was a stairway to heaven, then this was definitely her elevator to hell.

When she opened the door to room 46, Mr Deacon himself was sitting on the bed, his back to the door, facing the window. He turned at the sound of the door slamming.

"No," he said upon seeing Y/N, her hair still soaked in snow and dawning Roger's fur coat. "No fucking way, there no chance-"

"Yeah, think like that for about five minutes and you'll be where I am right now," she huffed.

John's face fell into his hands.

The pair hadn't always hated each other. In fact, there had been a time, right after Roger had introduced the two of them, where most people would've bet good money that they would start dating. However, things, as they do often do, didn't go to plan.

Conversation had turned to bickering, bickering had turned into arguments, and eventually, the two couldn't even be in the same room without screaming at each other over seemingly the smallest things. As she looked at John now, she couldn't help but recall the time she had dropped an ice cube in his kitchen, which he then accidentally stepped in with socks on. She thought she might have gone deaf with the screaming match that had led to.

Y/N didn't even know how their friendship had disintegrated. It had been like someone had flipped a switch in their minds. Her love for the boy had turned into our hatred and she knew he felt the same.

"Is there no way we can switch with someone?" John asked, his voice almost pleading. Y/N wanted to think that was a possibility but she knew the hotel staff would be too busy to sort something out and all the guests would be far to exhausted to move any belongings to a different room.

"I don't think there's enough money in the world to convince someone to share with you," she told him. He rolled his eyes.

"Good one," he said sarcastically. "And people wonder why I don't like you."

"Oh please," she said, "enlighten me." He looked at her with red burning through the brown of his eyes.

"Well it's not exactly going to be because of your winning personality, is it?" He said through gritted teeth.

"Oh just shut it," Y/N huffed, throwing off Roger's coat and hanging it up. "Look, all we have to do is spend one night in the same room. Assuming the blizzard doesn't snow us in, we'll be out by tomorrow and then all we have to do is get to the wedding without killing each other or ourselves."

"Fine," He said. "You can just stay on your side of the room and I'll stay on mine."

"Fine." Y/N went to set her things down on her bed but the sight before her instead acting as the breaking point.

She started to cry.

"Fuck!" She shouted. "Fuck everything! Fuck the wedding, fuck the hotel, fuck mother-fucking-nature!"

"What? What is it?" John demanded, jumping to his feet, the ghost of actual concern on his face.

"Fucking look around, you idiot!" She shouted. John did a 360' of the room and quickly saw what had pushed Y/N over the edge.

"You've got to be kidding," he said, his head returning to his hands. "You've got to be fucking kidding!"

Yep, that's right. There was only one bed.

"Right, I get that it's shitty but there no need to cry over it," John told her.

If looks could kill, John Deacon would have been decapitated in that moment.

He actually took a step backwards. That's how much Y/N glared at him.

"It doesn't matter anyway," John continued, his voice however, considerably softer. "You take the bed, they've probably got some extra blankets at the front desk."

The glare smashed like a dropped wine glass.

"Where are you gonna sleep?" She asked him, confused by this sudden act of generosity of John's part. He shrugged.

"I'll be fine on the floor," he told her.

How was this the same man from a minute before? The John she knew would fight her to the death for the better seat on a couch, never mind a bed to sleep in.

"You can't sleep on the floor," she said.

"You got a better idea?"

Y/N couldn't believe she was even considering this. She looked at the bed and then back at John.

"I mean, it is a double bed," she said. "It's not like we wouldn't be able to both fit on it?"

John seemed to be going through the same motion that she had when he had offered to sleep on the floor.

"What? You mean share it?" He asked. She nodded, though it felt like a helium balloon had been tied to her head to try and stop it from shaking up and down. "I mean, I guess."

She sighed. She had been secretly hoping he wouldn't take her up on her offer.

"Sure," He said more confidently. "I really didn't want to sleep on the floor." Y/N's brows furrowed.

"Then why did you offer?" John shrugged.

"Right thing to do, I suppose."

Y/N nodded, though she wasn't quite sure how she felt about the whole situation. However, her exhaustion outweighed her confusion and mixed emotions. She clapped her hands together.

"Right then," she said. "I'm gonna go get changed into my pyjamas. I'll be back in a sec."

She brought her bag with her into the small bathroom and set it down on the counter so she could look through it.

"No," she muttered to herself. There was no way she could be so stupid as to leave all but one pair of pyjamas in her bedroom back in London. "Shit shit shit shit shit."

She held up the only pair she had brought.

Every girl has a special outfit that she wears to make herself feel better. Or perhaps it was a pretty bra or a particularly lacy thong that managed to be as comfortable as it was lovely. For Y/N, she had a pair of pyjamas. They were her 'I'm sexy and I know it' pyjamas.

They were comprised of shorts that were basically pants, and a top that was basically a bra. The fabric was a thin satin with lace around the hems and to top it all off, they were pink.

She looked at herself in the mirror. These were pyjamas only a girl and her partner should see. Not a girl and her old frenemy.

However, it was all she had.

She stepped out of the bathroom to find John standing in a baggy shirt, his thick pyjama bottoms hidden breath the covers of the bed. He did a double take when he saw her.

"Sorry," she said before he could comment. "I didn't think I'd be sharing a bed with someone so this is all I have."

John shook his head.

"No, it's..." he shook his head as if to clear it. "It's fine."

Although Y/N was extremely embarrassed by the whole situation, she did find a little amusement in the redness of John's cheeks as she climbed into bed next to him.

John turned off the lamp by his side of the bed and the two were plunged into darkness. They both made sure to stay as far away from each other as possible, John almost fell of the bed at one point.

Although it would've been difficult for him to fall asleep regardless, what made things far more difficult was something that he couldn't help but notice.

Y/N was shaking almost uncontrollably. He could tell she was trying to hold back her movement but to unfortunately no avail. As he looked at her more closely, he saw goosebumps all over her skin.

And then her teeth began to chatter.

"Fucking hell," John muttered to himself, causing the still conscious Y/N to open her eyes.

"What?" She asked, a scowl becoming evident on her face.

"Can't you keep still?" He asked her, propping himself up on his elbow. "It's pretty tricky to sleep with you shivering like that."

"It's not like you can control shivering," she spat back.

"But I can't sleep with you moving," he complained. She too propped herself up and looked at him with an exasperated expression.

"What d'you want me to do about it?" She demanded. "In case you haven't noticed, it's fucking freezing and these pyjamas aren't exactly helping."

"It's not my fault you were stupid enough to leave all your others at home," he muttered to himself.

"Oh my god!" Y/N groaned. "Just shut up. I don't want to hear your complaining or your nitpicking, or your judging! I'm sick of it, John!" She sat up fully and sighed into her hands. "I can't do this."

She swung her legs off the bed and grabbed her pillow.

"What are you doing?" John asked.

"Well I can't sleep on this bed with you, can I?" She said. "Can't have me ruining your beauty sleep, can we? God forbid I'm a little cold."

He watched as she set her pillow down on the floor and laid her head down on it. She then closed her eyes and pretended to fall asleep. John would've let her stay down there had it not been for the guilt in his chest as he heard her teeth chattering even louder than before. He peered over the edge of the bed and saw her shivering so much that the friction against the carpet could've lit a small fire.

"You can't sleep on the floor," John finally said.

"Yes I can."

"You're freezing," he pointed out. "Just come back to the bed and get under the covers."

"But then you'll be distracted by my shivering," she said. "I know how annoying this must be for you." John actually had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from snapping back. He closed his eyes and tried to calm down.

"Look," He said. "Just come back into the bed." She opened one eye and saw him looking down at her.

"Say please," she told him. John could feel his face getting hotter.

"Please," He said through gritted teeth. She smirked, finally having won a small battle. As promised, she climbed back under the covers, feeling as smug as was possible in this temperature.

But the smugness quickly froze on her face and fell like an icicle from a gutter.

"John," she said, her voice quiet. John opened his eyes and stared at the back of her head.

"What is it now?"

She took a deep breath. "Please know I'm only saying this because I'm just that fucking cold," she told him. John raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm just thinking that maybe if we were a bit closer, our body heat would warm us both up a little."

"Oh," John faltered. "Right - um - I suppose that makes sense." Y/N could feel the mattress move and he shifted closer to her. "Um... you mean like this?" He was lying behind her, his chest a few inches from her back.

"Um, not exactly," she said. "I kind of meant like..." she screwed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. "Like spooning."

If John had been drinking, he would've spat it out.

"Spooning?"

"Yeah. I know you've probably never had the opportunity to do it before but-"

"Oh shut up," he said. But for some reason, this time her teasing remark made him smile. He quickly replaced the smile with a scowl just in case she turned around.

"Well?" She asked. John sighed. He was really cold as well, though he was better at hiding it.

"Fine," He said, wrapping an arm around her. They both immediately felt the warmth of the other. John couldn't help but notice how much bare skin he was touching.

"Thanks," she muttered, silently hoping he hadn't heard her.

"No problem."

Before the pair had grown to hate each other, they had spent countless nights in the same position. No, they never dated technically, but it would be impossible to count the amount of nights they decided it was too late to go home and so, decided to stay over at the other's house.

Y/N's mind immediately went to the last time they had done it. Of course, at the time she hadn't known it she wouldn't be held by John for years to come. She wished she had cherished those nights more. And she hoped John felt the same.

It was so comfortable. It felt as though the pair had never fallen out. Y/N supposed if they hadn't, this might've been their wedding instead of Roger's.

"Y/N," John whispered. "Is everything alright?"

She quickly wiped the tear that had slipped from her eyes and onto the arm that had been placed beneath her head in a way that John found far too familiar.

She shook her head in response to his question.

John couldn't help but feel complete concern. Years of arguments seemed to slip his mind as her turned her around to face him. She was hiding her face behind her hands, sobs now accompanying the tears.

"Sorry," she choked out.

"No, don't be sorry," John told her as he wrapped her up in his arms. "It's ok, you're ok." He wasn't quite sure what to do. "Tell me, what's the matter?"

She pulled back from him slightly so she could look at him. His brows were furrowed and his eyes read nothing but concern.

The words that followed broke John's heart.

"Why do you hate me?"

He had no idea what to say.

"Because it wasn't me who started all this, John," she continued. "It was you. You started getting annoyed at every little thing and I didn't know what to do so I just shouted back."

"I... I don't know-"

"Yes you do," she said, not taking any lies. "You've got a reason, you just won't tell me." John looked down.

"Well, what's your reason?" He asked her. She rolled her teary eyes.

"My reason?" She asked. "John, I hate you because you hate me."

He completely broke.

He hid his face in his hands and he just sobbed. Y/N was shocked. She had never seen John cry. In all the years she had known him, he had never shed as much as a tear. So she stared at him with wide teary eyes.

"I'm sorry," he told her. "I'm so fucking sorry." Now Y/N was the one who was lost for words.

"What are you sorry about?" She asked, unsure what else to say.

"I made you believe I hate you," he explained. "I don't. I could never."

He didn't hate her. Y/N could feel herself tearing up again.

"Then why did you-"

"I was scared," he told her. "Everyone was telling me I should ask you out but you were always going on dates with other guys and I- I couldn't take it. I was in love with you but you didn't love me back. At least, not in that way."

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. John Deacon has been in love with her?

"And I could never tell you how I felt because i knew the feeling wasn't mutual," he continued. "So I started pushing you away like an idiot. Everything kept escalating and suddenly it I had gone too far. There was no getting our friendship back so I just kept going. I never wanted to shout at you and I was never really angry. I was just sad and pathetic and I'm so fucking sorry."

Y/N sat up, breaking free from John's arms. She stared ahead of her, looking out of the window to come face to face with the blizzard that had trapped her here.

John rose to a sitting position extremely hesitantly. It was as if he was worried any fast movements would send her running. But John didn't look out of the window. He didn't focus on the snowfall as Y/N did. Instead, he looked at her. The warm, faint light from the bathroom made her profile look golden. To John, it was like she was glowing. And he? He was in her shadow, dark and ashamed.

"Is it a joke?" She finally whispered.

John's mouth opened. Did she really think he was trying to play a trick or embarrass her? He had just poured his heart out in front of her. Despite that, he just said,

"No."

She still didn't look at him, but she seemed less tense as he said what he said.

"And," she said, "you said that you loved me."

"Yes."

"Loved. As in... past tense?"

Deciding to commit fully to his confession, John brought his hand up to her cheek. His fingertips were barely touching her, but they managed to pull her stare from the window and to him.

"No."

Y/N let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in. It came out all shuddery and delicate. "And you promise you're not just trying to make me look like an idiot?" She asked.

"Y/N, look at me," he told her. He was centimetres from her face, he needed to get the message across.  But now that he was staring right at her, he could feel his face heating up. "I love you."

"I..." Y/N looked like the words were stuck in her throat. But even just the first syllable made John's heart soar. She felt the same, she was going to tell him! Years of arguments were about to all be swept under the rug.

"I need some sleep."

She took his wrist and gently pulled his hand away from her face.

"What?"

"I just need some time to process all this," she explained.

"What's to process? I just told you how I felt," John said back, clearly frustrated.

"John, we've not been friends for years," she said. "And you're expecting me to forget every argument just like that? What, did you think we were just gonna sweep everything under the rug?"

John knew her cheeks were red. He felt so fucking stupid, so silly. He shook his head.

"You're right," he said. "Sorry. I'll let you sleep on it and everything. I know you're tired."

She nodded and lay back down, facing away from John.

He wasn't taking that as a good sign. But there was nothing more to be said so he just lay down behind her, feeling lighter than he had a few minutes ago.

"Deaky?" He heard her whisper after a few moments of silence. His heart lurched.

"Yes?"

"I'm still cold."

John smiled. He smiled so warmly that it alone could've heated up the girl in the silky jammies.

He wrapped an arm around her and, in no time, they were both asleep.

(Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed, please reblog and give me some feedback! (Or just reblog))

[artificialqueens]

Between (Pearlet) - freshpunch

AN- I wrote this platonically but I can’t make you read it that way lol, title from “Between” by Noir, also on ao3

It starts with nothing interesting. I’m looking at that huge year-end magazine of basically all the runaway looks from the year I splurged on before I got here. I’m not even listening to music anymore because the lip sync songs got grating days into being locked up in this hotel room. There’s no more inspiration to wring from any of these looks either. They’re too modern for Violet and all the 2014 silhouettes have gotten stale. But there’s nothing good on TV and I’m exhausted but still not tired enough to sleep. And there’s something oddly comforting about this routine in the rushed chaos of competing.

There’s a knock on my hotel room door which could mean…anything really. It’s usually some crew member with competition news but sometimes it was one of the other girls. Rarely though. We spend too much time together anyway. Untucked was proof enough that this is a pressure cooker few of us are making it through. But it’s just Pearl. And there’s no tension between us, nothing to make a good episode of Untucked. There’s nothing you could poke or prod the right way to get us to snap. There’s just an easy friendship, an unexpectedly quick connection.

“What’s up?” I don’t mind spending time with Pearl but it’s not like this is normal.

“I wanna practice my fishtail braids and you have the longest hair.” It comes out in his characteristic slow drawl. There’s not really any question to it.

I cock my hip out and pose against the doorway. “If you wanted to see me you should’ve just said so.”

He snorts. “Confidence looks cute on you but not that cute.”

I huff and edge into the doorway a little more, blocking his entrance. “What about Ginger then?”

He’s more than used to my pouting though. “Her hair isn’t long enough and I think she’s sick of me.”

“And I’m not?” I try.

“Well you were just so happy to see me.” He flutters his stubby little natural eyelashes at me and lands a soft hand on my chest.

I fall back and let him in almost immediately. But that’s all it’s ever taken—just a whisper of a touch and something that’s hardly even a suggestion, forget a command. “What about your wigs?” I ask once he’s already settled on my bed.

He looks just as at ease in my room as he does anywhere else. But I guess all hotel rooms are the same. “They’re in the werkroom duh.” He pats the spot next to him. “Come on.”

And I do because all it ever takes from him the barest hint of a request. It’s always so easy when it’s just me and him. “So fishtails?” I confirm, settling into my bed, tucking my legs underneath me.

“They’re hard.” He answers, furrowing his brow as he looks at my hair. I manage to barely catch his eye over my shoulder and he laughs uneasily. “It’s weird doing this in silence.” And he hunts for my remote and turns on my TV to some game show I don’t recognize. It’s hard to pay attention to and not very interesting but I try my best to at least look at it.

Pearl threads his fingers through my hair the same way Pearl—the same way Matt— does everything, calm and careful, methodical and soothing. He gathers my hair and drops it again and again but I guess starting a braid is the hardest part. Maybe I like it so much because routine has become so comforting to me and the gather, part, let go, gather, part and let go again it almost rhythmic. Or maybe I’m just touch starved. Or maybe I’ve forgotten the difference between missing touch like being totally isolated and missing touch like missing the touch of someone I trust. The whole thing is truly soothing though.

Eventually I stop trying to pay attention to the game show and let my head lean back on his shoulder. He’s finally stopped parting, gathering and dropping and started really braiding my hair.

He clicks his tongue and lays his hand on my shoulder. “I can’t do anything with your hair when you’re like that.”

“You’re making me sleepy.” I whine.

“So this is mutually beneficial then.”

“Bitch!” I yell. “‘Mutually beneficial’ shut the fuck up! I bet you can’t even spell that.”

“This isn’t a spelling bee.” He makes sure to make stern eye contact with me from where his head is hanging above mine. “It just means that you’re not just doing me a favor, I’m helping you too.”

“I could’ve slept without you.” I taunt, sticking my tongue out.

“But you didn’t.” He responds surely, lifting up the half-braid he did and dragging a gentle fingertip down the back of my neck and over the bumps of my spine.

Goosebumps erupt on my skin immediately. “Don’t do that unless you’re gonna fuck me.” It’s supposed to come out playful and joking. But my voice gets caught in my chest somewhere and it comes out breathless and tight.

His finger pauses in the middle of my back, over my tank top. “That bad, huh?” It’s half-sympathetic and half-teasing.

“I mean…I wouldn’t have to be driven to desperation to consider you.” I try, looking at him from under my eyelashes.

He just laughs. “No. It’s not happening.”

I huff out a sigh and think about whining like the little brat I am but decide on just looking up with him at pleading eyes. “What if I just suck you off?” I offer.

The look on his face is maybe pity or maybe disappointment. “Oh, Vi,” he sighs affectionately. “Nope.”

“But—“ I try.

He places his hand over my mouth lightly, probably not even enough to muffle my speech. “You remember when Jinkx called all the other drag race contestants ‘cock hungry dick pigs’?” He asks.

“No!” I shriek because I love it. I’m going to start using it immediately. “When did she say that?”

“During the Reunion but that doesn’t matter,” his hand is back to gently resting on my shoulder, “what’s important is that you’re only doing this because you’re trapped in drag prison. You’re not gonna die.”

“I am gonna die!” I cry dramatically, throwing myself into his lap. “Violet Chachki—cause of death: lack of dick.”

“You’re putting ‘Violet’ on your tombstone?” He asks, furrowing his brow.

It catches me off-guard. “Maybe! I don’t know.” I sputter. “Point is: I’m going to die.”

“You’re not.” He drops a chaste kiss on the curve of my shoulder. It’s the barest brush of skin-against-skin, doesn’t even really linger. “You’ll get over it.”

I think about if he wasn’t bare-faced, if maybe he was just that nude lipstick he loves and left a light pink smudge on my skin. The thought makes me squirm. “Maybe I’ll get over your dick but I don’t think I’ll get over you.”

He lets me look up at him with bedroom eyes for a moment. “Sweet,” his eyes crinkle up in a soft smile, “but it’s still not happening.”

I groan in frustration and roll away from him. “You’re impossible!”

“You’re like a fucking cat in heat.” He shoots back. There’s a fire in his eyes. Maybe it’s not because of me. Maybe the competition lit it. Maybe it’s always been there. It’s not bright or intense but it’s steady and it’s there. And it looks good on him.

“Then do something about it.” I challenge.

“It’s not my problem.” He shrugs. “You’ll get over it.” His words are harsh but his demeanor is still soft somehow—gentle.

“You’re telling me you’re not interested at all?” I ask like it’s crazy. It is, at this point in my life, to be rejected when I’ve asked so nicely.

He scrunches up his mouth and his forehead, looking thoughtful. “Not here, not now.” He settles on.

“So, if after I win this whole thing, I send you nudes of just me in the crown, you’ll just ignore them?”

“You’ll have to win first.” He sounds like my parents did when I went on about any one of my wild dreams—gentle, placating, distracted. His hands find my hair again, unthreading the braid.

“I’ll do it.” I promise.

“I’m sure you will.” He encourages but it comes out partly as a laugh.

I feel like pouting and I want to show him up right now but I’m not really mad—just frustrated, I guess.

“So let me fix your hair and I’ll leave, yeah?”

“What if you stay instead?” I suggest.

He gives me a pitying kind of look. “You know I can’t stay the night.”

“I’ll miss you.”

He sighs fondly, running his fingers through my hair. “You’ll be okay, you spend enough time with me already.”

“Yeah but I like you.” He’s good at getting the frustration out of me—at getting me soft and pliant again.

He laughs, all pleasantly surprised. “I like you too, pumpkin.”

“You can stay over whenever you want.” I promise sleepily.

“I’ll take you up on that whenever I’m in Atlanta then.” He lifts up my hair and lets it fall back against my neck. “We can have a sleepover.”

It’s weird to hear Matt call it a “sleepover.” I certainly didn’t use that term whenever I let another queen crash at my place or whenever one of my friends stayed over. I probably hadn’t said the word in years. “What about when I go to New York?”

“I guess I can let you stay over.” He sighs like it’s a burden. I stick my tongue out him childishly. “Fine, you can sleepover too.”

I laugh at the choice of words. “I haven’t had a sleepover in years. Haven’t even used the word.”

“Well, what do you think this is?” He looks pointedly at where his hands are still undoing the braid he made.

I shrug playfully. “We don’t have to call it anything.”

Something lights up in his eyes—a glint of something in the firelight—and I think he gets it. Whatever I’m not saying, not even thinking. He gets it. “I’ll comb out your hair again and then leave, okay?”

“How ‘bout you don’t leave?” I ask sleepily, not even opening my eyes from where my head rests on his chest.

“I’ll give you until this show is over.” He offers. And I haven’t settled or compromised for the longest time. No one made me, no one that I would listen to anyway. But this is okay. I can settle for this. Maybe this is more than enough. Whatever it is.

–

When I land in Atlanta after getting crowned there is so much to do. It’s a blur really—talking with a manager, booking gigs, getting merch together, sleepless nights with only like one of my suitcases unpacked. There’s friends to see and family that wants to talk and offers to consider and social media to upkeep. It is nonstop motion until there is a pause.

By the time I wake up it’s already late afternoon. The sun streams through the curtains at a harsh angle and doesn’t illuminate anything pressing for once. I have a second to breathe, to stumble around my apartment sleepily while checking my phone. I see a picture of Pearl—Pearl for real with her steadily evolving sense of fashion—on Instagram and finally remember. I promised Matt I’d win and I did but I promised him something else too.

The picture I end up taking isn’t the sexy, burlesque perfection of Violet. It isn’t really me either. It sits somewhere in the gossamer inbetween. I’m bare-faced (well…maybe I did my eyebrows, kill me), no pointed eyeliner, no bold lip color. It leaves my face looking softer, rounder, fuller, younger than I’m used to seeing it. There’s no wig, it’s just my real hair let down in soft waves. I’m not wearing anything—it’s a nude after all. But it’s not really a nude, there’s only a suggestion of nudity really. It’s a three-quarters angle, looking over my shoulder, perched delicately on my knees.

In the end, it all comes down to imperfections and curves. There are dark circles under my eyes that I haven’t noticed (or pretended not to notice) from sleepless nights and busy schedules and stress that I am too busy to even really feel. My body comes through in all soft curves—the slope of my shoulder, the soft swell of my thighs pressed together, the roundness of my face. In the background you can see my unmade bed and my half-open curtains. It is a soft invitation, a beckoning except for the gaudy crown perched on my head. It’s too tall, too much to really be elegant, to fit into the scene I’ve set up. But all the million, tiny crystals catch in the late afternoon sun like a corona around my head.

how about now? I send in the text with the picture. I’m not even sure I want Matt to want to fuck me. I’m too tired, too wanted to be as desperate and whiny as I was during Drag Race. I’m just keeping my promise, just keeping him on his toes. Because it’s never been easy to define—to really capture and observe—what was between us. It was never really just sisterhood. It was never just anything. So I yank our relationship back out of simple friends because it never belonged there and send it somewhere else. Where ever. I’m not too picky.

When I finally get around to really starting my day, Matt still hasn’t even read my message. I’m still living in the in-between. We are still something. Something indefinable, something beyond description. And I think that’s probably where I want to be anyway.

[feel199x]

❃.✮:▹joanne the scammer◃:✮.❃

con man!lee minho, college!au, cop (sorta??)!reader

a/n: sksksk i dont know why but Minho gives me the wildest ideas for fics;; this is a one shot but its,, long  masterlist

warnings: some zesty jokes, little bit of swearing, catcalling

College spring break was famous for a lot of things, both good and bad. After an intense exam season, you did something you would never consider any other time except three am, thinking about how life is passing you by and you’re not really living life. So, you booked tickets to Cancun. You had forgotten until the next morning, finally realizing the weight of your decisions, and ran to make a suitcase. It made you nervous, to go somewhere new alone. But college was for new experiences, right? Besides, the money was already taken out of your account and they didn’t allow refunds, so you had to make the best out of the situation. Spring break was starting, and if you didn’t hurry up, it was going to leave you behind. So, at nine am you ran out of your apartment, scared of running late.

Even though your flight was at one pm, you liked airports. Granted, it wasn’t often you went on trips, but airports were full of interesting people. And by interesting people, you meant con-men. Your criminology class had brought it up during discussion, and you couldn’t stop thinking about it. And now, wherever you went, you looked out for those type of people. There was something very noticeable, very distinct about the way they talked, moved- how they looked. There were many types of criminal, and while a con man wasn’t the worst, they certainly were annoying. The whole shtick of a con-man was their confidence, how they just thought they were just that much smarter. Even though you weren’t a detective- not yet- you had to admit that it was a little fun to scare the newer con-men off. And as you looked around, you realized that this particular airport was abundant in them. There were three by the time you entered, and none by eleven am. You stayed in the back, participating in their games. One, in particular, was playing a card game, letting bored, awaiting passengers bet on a rigged game. He was a little harder to scare off, but you had time- you wanted to beat him at his own game.

“It’s the middle one,” you declared at the back of the group, “So can you give this sweet lady her money back?” You wanted to step in earlier, but you wanted to make sure that you had figured everything out. He looked at you in surprise and lifted the plastic cup. And to his surprise, it came rolling out- he had realized he had made a mistake after you did. It made your head get a little big, but you were mostly happy that the little old lady got all the money she bet back. It was a little weird to you since someone would think that she’d be more knowledgeable about this sort of thing. You ushered her away from the booth and warned people not to play the game. And he went home, all dejected. Maybe you didn’t have the power of a cop, but you could still act in the right of an annoying civilian.

You were scrolling through your phone, bored after you had scared off all the con-men for at least a couple hours until someone caught your surprise. You didn’t know when exactly he got there, but there he was, sitting across from you. Immediately, you were suspicious. For some reason, you just got weird vibes from him. But the guy wasn’t doing anything, so you turned your attention back on your phone.

“Hey, do you want to play a game?”

Red flags as soon as he finished speaking. But two could play that game. You put your phone down, and smiled- but not just any smile. A flirty smile, a ‘a cute boy is talking to me!’ smile. He smirked, and boy, did you wanna punch him- you really did. Square in the middle of his beautiful face. “Sure,” you said, “I’ve got nothing to do for another two hours.”

“Great,” he winked, “We can get to know each other.”

He moved to sit next to you, laying a deck of cards on the table. “Do you know how to play?” he asked, “It’s alright if you don’t I can teach you. I can teach you lots of things.”

“No, I don’t,” you lied, “But I wouldn’t mind if you taught me.”

And he did, sort of. He left a few parts out, key parts, that would determine your understanding and ability to win the game. But you paid attention anyway.

“You’re really smart,” he commented, “What do you major in?”

“Fine arts.”

“Ah, a piece of art studying art.”

“Where are you going..?” your voice trailed off as you encouraged him to tell you his name.

“Minho, taking a trip to Cancun.”

Under the table, your hand clenched into a fist. Sure, he was cute, but he was sleazy. And the game he was playing, preying on insecurities? That was pretty gross, even for a con-man. “This is my favorite part, but I’m kinda scared,” he smiled, “You bet money, if I win, I get the money. If you win, you get double the money and… a date.”

You could punch him, you really could.

“I like that.” You only bet a couple dollars, losing on purpose for the first couple rounds and you watched as he relaxed and settled into his seat, a shadow of a smirk on his face. But after the first six rounds, he comforted you. “Aw,” he said, “I’m sorry. Go for another round? Maybe you’ll win next time.” You smiled, internally cringing and winked at him. “I’m pretty determined,” you responded, “I’ll bet five hundred dollars.” A smirk spread across his face.

“You sure? That’s a lot of money sweetheart.”

“I’m sure.”

As he spread and shuffled for the last time, he watched as he slid out a card from the sleeve. You remained calm though because you had a royal flush. It had taken you a while to get the rhythm, but with five hundred dollars on the line, you really couldn’t afford to lose.

“Straight flush,” he smiled, reaching for the money, “Sorry darling.”

“Royal flush.”

He looked at you, slightly angry, slightly surprised as he watched you place the hand on the table. “There’s no way-,” he started, “How did you-?”

“Run me my money, Minho.”

“You cheated.”

“Did I, con-man?”

You took your money back, putting it back in your wallet. “See you in Cancun.”

The thing was, you didn’t actually mean it. You hoped that you had scared him out of his wits, even for a little while. But among the mistakes he made, it was telling the truth. He’d have to be new to the game because none of the seasoned people you’ve met had ever made the mistake of telling the truth. So when you saw him behind you in line, flirting with the TSA lady so she didn’t look at the screen, you were unsure if you wanted to laugh, fight, or pray to god that you weren’t sitting next to him.

God wasn’t that kind.

“Oh shit,” he groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes, “Please move, you’re gonna ruin all my plans.”

“Oh fuck off,” you crossed your arms, staring up at him from your window seat, “If you’re such a good con-” He quickly sat down and shushed you, placing his hand on your mouth and looked around to make sure no one was paying attention. “Someone could’ve heard you!” he scolded, his eyes looking intently at yours, “And I’m not a con-man! Ew! Did you-”

“Lick your hand? Yes, yes I did. Leave me alone, and I’ll leave you alone, cool? If you behave, then I might not tell the police about you as soon as I get off this plane.”

“You’re such a brat! What are you, a cop?”

You smiled, giving him a mocking wink. “Soon.” He groaned, tearing his eyes off you to slump down in his chair. You put on noise-canceling headphones and stared out the window. Maybe you had to endure a long flight, but it couldn’t be that bad, right? That’s what you thought, but eight hours into the flight and you caved. You were becoming restless, wanting company and someone to talk to but all there was only a con-man. You looked at him through the corner of your eye, and he was lucky he was cute. His problem was that he was arrogant, and let his guard down much to easily- he couldn’t observe his mark if the world depended on it. You were beginning to doze off into your thoughts when you heard his voice again.

“Hey,” he poked you suddenly, “I’m bored. Let’s play a game.”

“You lost last time,” you said sleepily, “And you’re a cheater, and I’m tired..”

“But I’m bored.”

“Shut up, Minho.”

“You shut up.”

“No, you.”

So you played with him, a couple rounds of palace until you fell asleep with the cards in your hand. But soon, you were being shaken awake.

“I was having such a good dream...”

“I get it, I’m the man of your dreams. But we’re in Cancun.”

“I hope I never see you again.”

“Oh please,” he gestured at his body, somehow rolling his hips, “You want all this.”

“I’ve never been so disgusted. And I’m telling the cops.”

“You don’t have proof.”

You sighed, finally opening your eyes to glare at him. He was right, you didn’t have evidence, but you could still warn them about him. As you filed out of the plane, that was it. You were in the sun, already surprised by how warm it was. You didn’t see Minho in baggage claim and you were relieved, it looked like you wouldn’t be seeing him ever again. He was someone else’s problem now. The taxi ride was alright, not the best you’ve ever experienced, but certainly not the worst. Mostly because of the view, the sky was the deepest and purest shade of cerulean you had ever seen. You were excited, finally leaving behind your studies and university to enjoy some ‘me time.’ As you arrived at the hotel, you realized how much of a broke college student you really were. You knew that you couldn’t afford a beach-front hotel, but the small inn had to have some health violations. It was small and cramped, hidden away in a back alley. But, it could be worse, at least you weren’t mugged.

“I’m sorry,” the receptionist said, “But we had to add another guest to your room, due to scheduling errors. It should be fixed in a couple days.”

You were a little peeved, a little annoyed- but it wasn’t anyone’s fault, so there was nothing anyone could do. It couldn’t be helped. You nodded, telling the receptionist that you understood and that it wasn’t a big deal. You made your way upstairs, getting a little more annoyed as you had to drag your heavy suitcase up the stairs as the elevator wasn’t working. But when you shoved your cart into the slot, pushing the door open as the green light beeped you in, you didn’t expect to see him.

You’d rather have been mugged.

“No,” you laughed, “Yeah, no, not doing this.” He was surprisingly calm, hands behind his head on the bed. The only bed, you might add. “It’s spring break,” he said suavely, “You’re not gonna find another room.” You dropped your back, totally exasperated as you fished out a swimsuit. “You’re right! We’ll deal with this,” you pointed at the both of you, “later.”

He turned to you, tilting his head. “Great! I’ll join you.”

“No!”

“Why? You don’t own the beach, and I can’t con anyone with your presence in my head.”

“I-,” you sighed, “Whatever. At least you’re not conning anyone.”

As you stepped out of the bathroom, you remembered that you didn’t actually know how to get to the beach. The both of you stepped out into the streets and wandered for a bit, Minho making comments under his breath- but making sure you heard- it killed you to ask him, it really did. There was no signal so you couldn’t use google maps. And you were awful with directions, so finally, you just turned to a very smug Minho, hands in his pockets as he looked at you.

“What’s wrong, princess? You lost?”

“Shut up, pretty boy. But,” you tapped your foot, hands on your hips, “Yes. Can you just lead, please?”

“My pleasure.”

You trailed behind him, feeling like a lost puppy as you followed. “Can’t we just stop here?” you complained, “We’re already at the beach.”

“It’s overcrowded, do you want to be around a bunch of drunk college students?”

So the both of you walked more, burning up in the heat of the tropics. You were glad you remembered to put on sunscreen because even with it, your skin felt warm. “C’mon,” you stopped and grabbed his hand, “Can we stop, please? I just wanna swim.” Minho’s face flushed. “We’re almost there,” he said quickly, “You’ll like it, I promise.”

“Have you been here before?”

“Of course. I’m a con-man, remember? Tourists are easy money.”

“You’re like twenty, you can’t have been doing this for a long time. Also, can you let go of my hand?”

He stopped and looked down at your hand that was tightly embraced in his. Instead of reacting in a normal way, and letting go of your hand, he just wiggled his eyebrows. “Why?” he teased, “This the first time you’ve held a pretty boy’s hand?”

“You’re not that pretty.”

“Am too.”

“You don’t make me nervous! I could hold your hand if I want to!”

“Prove it then.”

“What are you, six?”

But the both of you continued walking, holding each other’s hands in a weird ego competition. If you weren’t so hell-bent on proving him wrong you might’ve thought: hey. Maybe, maybe he’s flirting. And maybe, you know, just maybe, you actually were nervous. Finally, after what seemed like an exodus of walking. But Minho just stopped at the edge of the water.

“You need to climb on my back.”

“I need to what?”

“It’s dangerous here, and you don’t know where to step or swim against the currents.”

“I’ll manage.”

“Thought you said you weren’t scared of a pretty boy.”

“I also said you weren’t that pretty.”

You knew it didn’t make a lot of sense, especially after he raised an eyebrow and smirked that infamous smirk of his as you climbed onto his back.

“Never bring this up again.”

“Of course not. Unless, of course, you want me to.”

“I’m going to drown you.”

“Kin-”

“Shut up!”

Minho swam elegantly against the current, and the both of you ended up in a cove. It was enchanting, something out of a fantasy novel and you wrapped your arms and legs tighter around Minho’s shoulder as the waves began to get larger. The cove had a large entrance of sorts, the rock arching around as a pocket in the beach. There were large rocks as you got closer to shore, and you were completely mesmerized.

“Hey, ___.”

“How do you know my name?”

“It was on your suitcase.”

“Mm, so you were creeping.”

“I’m going to throw you into the depths.”

You gasped. “Oh, Minho, baby,” you teased, “You’re scamming your way into my heart. Never met an angel before? You nervous?”

He laughed. “No, but I can show you heaven-”

 “Okay, yeah, you win this one. I’m getting off.”

The water was a lot warmer than the beaches surrounding your hometown and university, so you just sat in the water for a while, floating around as the waves pushed you around. It was lovely, and you were forgetting about your exams and the oncoming semester, all the project you’d have to do. Your stress and worry was being lapped away and pushed away into the ocean by the waves. That was until Minho splashed you, getting water into your nose and making you snort.

As you coughed, getting the salt water out of your system, you blindly splashed Minho back. “What was that for?”

“I’m lonely.”

“Sounds like a you problem.”

You continued splashing around like children until your arms got tired. “You’re a literal child,” you said, wheezing, “Why did they let a six-year-old on a plane? Are you allowed to travel without your parents?”

“Says the one who splashed me back.”

“In retaliation.”

It was quiet for a moment, the both of you wading in the water.

“Why did you try and scam me?”

He looked startled by the question as if he didn’t expect you to bring it up at some point in time. “Would you believe me if I said it was because I wanted your number?”

“No.”

He sighed. “That’s how it started, sort of. But as you lost, I thought you’d be an easy mark.”

You crossed your arms, “And was I?”

“What kind of person gets a royal flush?”

“People who don’t forget how to explain the rules.”

 There was another moment of silence as the laughter died down. “Why do you want to be a cop?”

“I want to protect people.”

“From con-men?”

“Yes, but you’re not so bad. Not a very good con-man. You are a pretty boy though.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

 He came closer, and your heart was beginning to beat as he was only millimeters away from you, you could feel his weight shift the sand close to you. “It’s getting dark!” you said suddenly, “We should get going.”

“It’s only sunset, look at how nice it is-”

“Pretty dark! Don’t wanna get mugged.”

He ran his hand through his hair and turned so you could get on his back. You were flustered, making your way back to the hotel in silence. The problem was the growing amount of drunk college students increasing as the sky grew darker, there were large crowds producing even larger amounts of noise. Gross frat guys under the influence started shouting at you, and you did your best to tell them off- even if your voice wavered a bit. Minho had to deal with his fair share of people drunkenly flirting with him. However, even though most people backed off after you cussed them out, there was a dude in particular that didn’t leave you alone. You stopped to cuss him out several times, but he advanced. Minho suddenly turned around, telling the guy off.

“Dude, fuck off, they already have a boyfriend.”

“Oh yeah? Where?”

Minho quickly leaned and whispered something in your ear, and you nodded, giving him permission for what he was about to do.

“Right here.”

Minho cupped your face, shooting the guy a quick smirk before giving you a deep kiss.

“Alright, man, Jesus, you’re in public.”

Minho held onto your hand as you turned the block, the both of you a bright shade of red, avoiding each other’s gaze under the full moon’s light. As soon as you turned the block. You let go of his hand, nearly throwing it back again. “Gross,” you said, “Never again.”

“Yeah, not the situation I would’ve liked to kiss you in.”

You snorted. “Okay, playboy.”

“I am not!”

“Sure.”

“Is that a challenge?”

You stuck your tongue out at him. “Maybe it is, six-year-old.”

 You went back to the hotel, climbing up the old stairs as they creaked. You were tired, but you realized your problems were far from over. The two of you stood in the doorway, staring at the singular bed. “You can sleep on the bed,” you offered, “I’ll just ask for extra comforters.”

“Don't be stupid,” he scoffed, “You afraid of cooties or something?”

“Am not!”

“So sleep on the bed.”

You clenched your fists, “Fine!”

You slept on the opposite side of the bed, nearly falling off the edge of the bed. But as you started to fall asleep, and unconsciously started pulling the comforter off of Minho. It wasn’t until he rolled you out of your cocoon and found yourself face to face with Minho, feeling his breath on your face.

“Stop pulling the comforter,” he said in a raspy voice, “I’m cold.”

“I don’t care,” you whined, “I get cold easily.”

Minho pulled you into his chest, but he was warm- so whatever, the embarrassment is tomorrow you’s problem. And boy, did tomorrow you sure hate yesterday night you.

Day 2

Minho absolutely did not let it go, insisting that the two of you had bonded because you cuddled. “Look, you can’t insult me after we cuddled, your face was like buried in my chest.”

“You’re a big, fat liar. I did not! You were just warm. I get cold easily.”

“Liar! Cuddler deniers don’t deserve rights.”

“What?”

“I said what I said!”

He came into the bathroom as you brushed your teeth, and you glared at him from the mirror. He hugged you from behind, resting his head on your shoulder and you shook to get him off. He pinched your cheeks. “You’re so tiny,” he cooed, “Look at you all flustered.”

“Minho, I will end you.”

“All you do is lie.”

He left the bathroom, returning to watch the tv, and you swore, you swore, that you would not survive another day with him in a cramped hotel room. You checked with a receptionist, much to Minho’s dismay, and asked her when they would be able to find another room. She eyed you carefully, looking at both you and Minho before informing the two of you that they were all booked. And not only that, they were all booked up until the end of the vacation.

“Minho, stop following me.”

“Sure, have fun getting lost and mugged, I’ll be sure to identify your body.”

You looked wide-eyed back at him. “Wait, stop, Minho,” you ran after him as he quickened his pace, “Minho! Google maps isn’t working! Stop running!”

There certainly was an unspoken tension in the room as you sat together, eating breakfast in relative peacefulness. Minho dropped his utensils and stared at you, chin in his hands as he cupped his own face. You sighed, putting down your own utensils. “What is it now, Minho?”

“I didn’t even do anything,” he said, “I’m just admiring the view.”

You choked on air and tried to cover it up, avoiding Minho’s gaze. “Man,” he picked the utensils back up, “It’s almost too easy.”

“Is this because I said you were a playboy?”

“Why? Do you regret it?”

“No, because I’m right.”

The day went on without any trouble, except for the insistent teasing that Minho gave you. You were at the beach, playing volleyball with Minho in a more populated area of the beach. Suddenly, you pulled you into a hug and raised your chin.

“What are you doing?”

“Dude’s staring at you, and neither of us wanna deal with a drunk dude right now.”

“You sound jealous.”

“I am.”

“Wh-”

He let go and threw the ball at you, making you trip as you tried to catch it. Catching volleyballs wasn’t exactly your forte, and you hoped that your future captain would give you some leeway. The rest of the day went smoothly, ending with gelato at the end of the day.

“This ice cream is almost as sweet as you, ___.”

“Shut up- oh wait, that’s actually kinda nice.”

“Have to change my methods if I wanna woo you.”

“There it is.”

You expected Minho to come back to the inn with you, and watch bad reality TV shows, but he didn’t.

“Aw,” he patted your head, “You gonna miss me?”

“Ew, gross,” you swiped his hand, “I just want to know you’re not going to be scamming anyone.” You pulled him closer. “You’re not right?” you added, “C’mon Minho, please.” Uncertainty waved across his face, and he gave you a smile, slightly flustered by your intense eye contact up at him. “Not anymore,” he pecked your head, “I can’t believe I got a cop in my room.” You rubbed your forehead, stunned at his sudden softness.

Without another reference the two of you sat in the bed, watching horrendous reality tv, and just like last night, you fell asleep, head buried in his chest.

Day 5

Still nothing from the receptionist, but it was your last day anyway, both leaving Cancun at 4 in the morning. Minho had woken you up just before sunrise, teasing you for your grip around his torso. This past week, it had become somewhat of a routine. But the teasing didn’t bother you anymore- it started to become endearing.

“You’re attached to me like a Koala.”

“If it bothers you so much, then why don’t you just sleep on the floor?”

“Who said it bothered me?”

“Then why are you complaining?”

He smiled and ruffled your arm, leading you back to the cove. You don’t know why, but something about Minho made you excited, like a school-girl crush, like butterflies in your stomach nervous. You were on his back as he swam, and even though the sun was just rising, the water was still a comfortable temperature. You thought about the past couple of days and recognized that you hadn’t thought about your degree or exams since you’d met Minho. Spending all your waking moment with him wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t dull. He gave you excitement that you didn’t get except when you were in law-related classes or acting like an annoying civilian. You felt the currents lapping against your body, and Minho was gliding through the deep blue water.

“It’s so pretty,” you murmured, face pressed against the back of his shoulder.

“Prettier than me?”

“Just a little bit.”

“Wow, understandable, but still a little hurt.”

“Aw,” you teased, “You jealous?”

“Oh, please. This cove can’t woo you like I can.”

“You scammed your way into my heart.”

 “I haven’t even conned anyone!”

You were approaching shore now, but Minho held onto you. “I want to show you something,” he added, “So just hold on.” You didn’t protest, holding tightly onto him as he climbed up the rock wall. A few minutes of climbing and the pair of you sat together at the cliff’s edge. The sun was peeking through the horizon, it’s apricot color bleeding into the sky and painting it in beautiful warm hues. But there was something hotter than the sun’s rays, and that was Minho’s stare.

“Minho,” you observed, “why are you staring at me?”

“You look divine in this sunlight,” he responded, “That’s why.”

“Not too bad yourself, pretty boy.”

The sun was high up into the sky when Minho got up and grabbed your hand. “Jump.”

“What? Are you insane? Look at how high up we are.”

“It’s safe, I’ve done it so many times! Just trust me.”

He squeezed your hand and smirked, “You scared? I’ll hold your hand.”

“Am not!”

“Jump then!”

“Fine!”

You pulled Minho, not trusting yourself to let go of his hand as you both fell towards the water. You looked at him, slightly terrified but a stupidly big grin spread across both of your faces and you both hit the water. You were still laughing as you broke the water’s surface. Minho came up and pulled you towards him, both hands on your jaw as he kissed you under the warm light, spread out sun rays hitting the water.

“That’s the situation I wanted to kiss you in. Since you won that game, I guess I owe you a date huh? Better give me your number.”

[bethhxrmon]

All I Ask of You Pt. 37

“Anywhere you go let me go too. Love me, that’s all I ask of you” - “All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera

Pairing: Peter Parker x Female OC

Word Count: 4.7k

Warnings: Poorly done fight scenes??? Some angst

Summary: The plan everyone’s been working towards is put into play

A/N: So there are only a couple more chapters before this is over, and I hope you guys are enjoying this as much as I am! As always, the masterlist is in my bio, and if you enjoy my story then please let me know!

Getting back to New York was more than likely the easiest part of the plan. Which was a shame because Annie felt so warm in Peter’s arm. She knew that it was only a matter of time before they had to get up, but she buried her head in his chest anyways. And while she couldn’t tell if Peter was up or not, he did pull her closer.

Right as she felt herself starting to drift back to sleep, the door opened. Annie pretended to not hear, squeezing her eyes shut. Just trying to hold onto the moment for a few minutes more.

“Come on, love birds, we gotta get going,” Harper said, turning on the light.

Peter looked over at Harper, “Five more minutes.”

“Um you guys should get up now before Stark sees. I know you guys can’t really do anything, but I’d bet he’d flip anyways,” Harper pointed out, “I’m doing you both a favor, now get up.”

Annie sat up, frowning, “You know, I really hate it when you’re right.”

“Hey, you’re the one who got to sleep with your boyfriend, so I don’t wanna hear it,” they insisted.

Annie perked up a little, “Why not? Is there someone you wish were your boyfriend?”

Peter’s eyes darted back and forth between the two friends, “I-I’m gonna go get the last of my stuff together. See you guys!”

“Well? Is there someone?”

Harper rolled their eyes, “No, definitely not. Who would it be anyways?”

“Ned. You like him, don’t you?”

“Well yeah, as a friend. He’s alright…” Harper trailed off.

Annie smirked, “More than a friend.”

“Annie, I can’t. I’m gonna be in college, you’re all still in high school. It wouldn’t work, maybe if I were still in high school too, but… oh forget it.”

“Ha! Peter owes me.”

The ginger scoffed, “Did you really have a bet going over this?!”

“Well, yeah. I’m willing to bet that if you and Ned had half a chance you guys would’ve done the same with me and Peter.”

“Actually… now that you mention it,” Harper shook their head, “Would you look at the time-”

“Wait, you guys were talking before all this?!”

“Well, we had to, for Christmas. And I told him that I was willing to wager you would both be a thing by the time the musical was done,” they claimed, “And it’s your flighty attitude that cost me the bet.”

Annie shook her head, “I really can’t believe you guys. Can’t say I’m surprised, though.”

Harper laughed, “Yeah, yeah, I get it, disappointed but not surprised. Whatever, I gotta get packed.”

With that, they left Annie’s bedroom, leaving her to change into a different set of leggings and another hoodie. It was going to be hot outside, but she already knew it was going to be chilly in the plane. Then, she looked around her room and the closet, making sure she wasn’t about to leave anything important behind.

Really, she just didn’t want to leave her room. Because that meant she would be one step closer to leaving. One step closer to the more complicated phases of the plan that had so much potential to go wrong.

Except, if she didn’t leave the room then, someone would come and get her later and then she wouldn’t be able to have the chance to enjoy the coffee she could smell brewing in the kitchen. It was probably Harper’s doing. The more she thought about it, the more Annie wondered if anyone even bothered to get any sleep to begin with.

In a way, there was something in this for all of them. Annie already knew her reasons, and Peter was probably going to help her even if she told him to go. Tony and Pepper were just responsible for ensuring that they didn’t die from this, and in a situation where everything could go wrong, there was much to worry about. Harper was the one who created her suit. If something went wrong because of a suit malfunction, she knew Harper would beat themself up over it. Ned seemed to always be there for Peter, and she would have been surprised if he wasn’t nervous for him.

Annie left her room with her suitcase in tow, setting it in the living room next to her backpack where the scroll of her ukulele could be seen poking out. Then, she went into the kitchen, pouring herself a cup of black coffee, sitting at the dining table. She heard the front door open as Tony and Pepper stepped into the cabin.

“Alright, you kids ready?” Tony asked.

“Are we supposed to give an honest answer?” Annie asked, taking a sip of coffee.

Tony sighed, “I’m saving the pep talk for New York.”

The environment was almost exactly like it was during dinner, everyone trying to focus on everything but what going back home would entail. Harper kept on talking about how they could hardly wait to start their fashion classes. Not to mention, they were pointing out that they had done a phenomenal job with Annie’s suit.

“I mean, come on! Do you know how hard it is to find a white fabric that’s easy to wash? I had to work with a whole predetermined concept here!” Harper exclaimed.

Ned shook his head, “Couldn’t you have changed the color scheme?”

“No, the aesthetic! Like, that’s been her look. Just like the hood, that’s almost part of her mask.”

“Why didn’t you just give her a legit mask?” Peter asked.

Annie sighed, “Long story short, I kept getting all sweaty and I couldn’t breathe. Plus it was always raining. So if you can imagine the feeling of a wet sock… just put it on your face.”

“Waterproof it?”

Harper shook their head, “Oh, wow, Peter, never would’ve thought about that. If only I had any way to waterproof fabric without my parents getting weird about it.”

“They’re that nosey? They seemed like they didn’t care about what you did when we were there,” Ned commented.

They sighed, “My parents don’t care about what I do if it doesn’t involve taking what they need. When Annie was trying to get a costume together, I only had white, silver, and some black fabrics.”

- “Aren’t they rich though?” Ned asked, raising an eyebrow.

Tony shook his head, “Just because someone’s rich, doesn’t mean they’re gonna give their kid a whole lot.”

“He’s right… besides, imagine going up to your parents and saying ‘hey, I’m gonna make a superhero suit for my best friend, just let me take all this really great material for free’... I’d rather ask them to forgive me for calling their tuatara an overrated lizard.”

Annie snickered, “Do you think they would?”

“Hell if I know, and I’m not about to find out,” Harper insisted.

What Annie couldn’t remember to save her life was when they got onto the plane. They had been having breakfast and joking around, and then they were suddenly in the air. Headed straight back to New York. There was no way for Annie to squeeze her way out of this. It wasn’t like she could afford to do that anyways.

After what she had put everyone through, she owed it to them to at least try. Even if she had no idea what was going to happen. The worst of it was that everyone expected her to know. By all rights, she did have more experience in this case. And the thought that she was the only one who knew the most about Carnival made her stomach churn.

Not exactly the best feeling when sitting next to the window on an airplane.

Originally, she was taking a nap, her head rested against Peter’s shoulder. Then, she was up again and no one else seemed to be talking. Granted, they were all beginning to run out of topics that could avoid Carnival. She knew that they would need to start going over the logistics of the plan again, but maybe they would just never reach New York. Perhaps the plane would just keep going, and they would land in some cute European country and they could all keep enjoying the calm state things were in.

Peter snapped Annie from her thoughts as he kissed her cheek, “You’re thinking awfully hard.”

“How could I not be?” Annie retorted.

He wrapped an arm around her, “I get it, I can’t stop thinking about it either. But you know what?”

“What?”

Peter smiled softly and whispered, “You owe me a Star Wars marathon.”

“I so do not!”

“Yeah you do, Ned said nothing about Harper. I win by default.”

Annie eyed him, “But Harper said they did like him.”

“Seriously? When?”

“After you left. They were giving me crap for having you in my room, so I gave them crap about Ned. Only problem is that Harper’s not gonna do anything,” Annie explained.

“Sounds like you’re making something up.”

“You’re just mad because I won.”

“I thought you meant both had to admit it.”

“I never said both.”

“You said crushes on each other. I win. After all this is over, we’ve gotta watch all the movies.”

“All of them?” Annie asked, “Even the prequels.”

Peter smirked, “With that tone, especially the prequels.”

Somehow, talking about what would happen later, in the last weeks of summer, got Annie’s heart rate to slow down just a bit. If Peter wasn’t questioning the likelihood of them making it, then she shouldn’t either. They were going to defeat Carnival one way or another, and they were going to have that Star Wars marathon because Peter was right. Then, they were going to go back to school, and they would keep being a team. She would audition for the school musical, and Peter would do whatever sciency thing his heart desired.

The point was, they were going to turn out okay. This was just one last obstacle they had to get through. After that, they could put everything that had happened behind them.

And maybe, just maybe, she could forgive herself for what happened with Tina.

A couple hours later, Tony went to the pair, “Okay, we have a bit of time before we land. We gotta go over this again.”

“Right. I show up and seduce Carnival an-”

“That’s not the plan, Annie,” Tony deadpanned.

She shrugged, “I think it would work. Anyways, I get the dude’s attention. Then, I get him all riled up. Maybe even get him to do some fighting to tire him out.”

“Good, and Pete?”

“I trail Annie the whole time, stay hidden, and then I use the new web fluid. He’ll try to break out of it which’ll make it explode and then he should be in a weakened state.”

Tony nodded, “Good, and your suits have your vitals monitored around the clock. If there’s a simultaneous spike then I’ll rush in. Once that happens, you two get yourselves out.”

“Noted. And if we’re in danger but the monitor isn’t working?” Annie prompted.

Tony sighed, “Then there’s a worse problem on our hands.”

“Lovely.”

Soon after that, they were left to their own devices until they started to descend on New York. That was when Tony pulled Peter to the side. Probably to say something about how the kid was like a son to him. If any of them should have been getting their DNA tested to see if they were Tony’s kid, it was Peter. Maybe even Harper, but that was a stretch.

Then, it was her turn and Tony was talking to her, “Is this that obligatory pep talk you mentioned earlier?”

“This would be it, yeah.”

“That didn’t sound too peppy,” Annie remarked.

Tony sighed, “We still haven’t gotten those test results back just yet. Not sure if that’s for the best just yet, but… you’re a good kid. You’ve been doing what you can, and you gotta realize that whatever you do today, it’s because you believed it was for the best.”

“Because that’s worked out so well.”

“Hey, do you want the pep talk or not?”

Annie frowned, “Sorry, continue.”

“Everything you’ve done, you did it thinking that was what needed to happen. And I know you’re gonna go in there doubting yourself. I’ve been there, but it’s gonna work out.”

She tilted her head, “And how could you be so sure?”

“Because you’re gonna do what it takes to get Peter out of there alive and vice versa. You two are a great team at the moment and that’s gonna do more good for you guys than anything else.”

“So you think we’ll be okay?”

Tony nodded, “Yeah, I never doubted that.”

“Okay, and do you think we’ll stop Carnival?”

“That’s the one thing I’m not sure about, but I feel like this is the best chance we have. Unless you have something hidden up your sleeve that you never mentioned.”

“Nope, I’ve told you guys everything I can remember.”

“Then this is probably the best way. Don’t stress it too much. You’re too young to feel responsible for an entire city. Both of you are, honestly.”

Annie raised an eyebrow, “Then why haven’t you stopped us?”

“Because you’d both run off and do your own things. You’d get hurt from making dumb mistakes instead,” he pointed out.

“Hey, when I’m fighting Carnival, I’ll be fighting someone with the same skills I have… how do I best that?” Annie asked, mentally smacking herself for not thinking to ask about it earlier.

Tony paused, thinking about the question, “You know those powers more than he ever would, but even if that doesn’t help… look for different tells. Everyone’s got something, an old injury or a ritual of sorts before they attack.”

“Wait, what’s mine?”

“You tend to have a performance aspect. There’s a certain rhythm to what you do, and sometimes it’s like you’re stopping for the sake of spectators. You’re always putting on a show of sorts.”

With that in mind, Annie felt her heart rate getting faster and faster as they got closer to landing. Her hands were clammy and just a bit shaky, and when she stood up to get off the plane Annie didn’t think that her legs would be able to hold her up.

It was like the first time Annie had ever performed. All the way back when she was still a kid, before she had any idea she had powers. Her first ballet recital ever at the age of seven. Of course, she didn’t remember it all that well. The song selection and the choreography were a blur. She couldn’t even remember the names of all the girls in her dance class. What she did remember was being positive that she was going to screw up. That she would come in at the wrong time, make a wrong step, or something completely beyond her control would happen.

No matter how hard Annie tried to remember, she couldn’t figure out if the recital had gone well. What she could remember was how her parents cheered her on afterwards and, more importantly, that she was certainly well past that day. She couldn’t remember the last time a performance made her nervous.

However, she could remember feeling the fast heartbeat in her chest from the last time she faced Carnival. As she finished putting on the suit, Annie felt like the same little girl who was terrified of her first recital. She messed with the new belt that rest on her waist as she went back to the others.

“I added some stuff in there for you. I know you might not need it this time, but there’s some stuff to generate electricity with. You could probably fit whatever else you need in the little pockets,” Harper explained, “I guess I’ll probably never be done with this suit.”

Annie laughed a bit and hugged them, “It’ll be perfect either way, trust me.”

Before she knew it, she was wandering through the back alleys of New York. It was pretty hot, and Annie could even feel the sun. She didn’t think it was right that the sun was shining like that. While she walked, Annie noticed that the shoes Harper had built in were almost exactly like ballet slippers. Fitting.

There wasn’t anyone around just yet, and Annie was wondering if Carnival was even out today. Maybe he was more scared of her than the other way around. However, the jumbled feeling in her stomach told her otherwise.

Except the point was to attract the enemy. Her tell was making a show, so that was exactly what she was going to do. It wasn’t like Peter was going to have any trouble with following her around the city. So she got up to the top of a skyscraper and started to glide from building to building. The feeling was just as freeing as it had been in Seattle.

Right in midair was when she felt the energy beneath her give out from beneath her. There was only one person who could do that. Annie had only barely stopped herself from splatting onto the ground beneath her.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she quipped, dusting herself off, “You should come out, it’s not polite to fight someone when they can’t see you.”

Carnival slowly walked into the alley, “Well if it isn’t my darling!”

Annie flung a blast of electricity at the clown, “Let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your darling. I never was.”

“But weren’t you? How was being with Greg any different from being with me?”

A nasty taste entered Annie’s mouth, “Because I chose someone who wasn’t you. You’re the one who tricked me.”

“But it was still me either way. And that is probably why I have no plans to hurt you today.”

Annie took a deep breath, “You’re full of it,” she said cooly.

Peter was nearby, she could just barely make him out from behind Carnival. He was a few blocks down, but she knew he was there. The plan was working better than she had assumed. Except, there hadn’t been any actual fighting yet, and something simply felt off. As though there was something that was happening that she didn’t know about.

“But who else knew your favorite songs and your dreams and how you like your coffee?”

“They’ve changed. And new people know them. People who are exactly who they say they are,” she replied, clenching her jaw.

At the end of the day, it didn’t matter if those things changed or not. Carnival had known her so well at one point.

But that was over a year ago.

Carnival was about to say something, but Annie didn’t bother to wait to hear what it was. There wasn’t any audience watching her to make the next move. What he said was going to mean nothing to her. She lunged forward, sending a burst of energy his way.

Both of them quit talking and stuck to fighting. Annie focused on staying in the moment. All she had to do was keep him distracted and not get herself killed in the process. If she could just remember to not pause or show off, she would be fine. She focused on fighting in the way she learned over the better part of the summer.

A lunge here, a sudden dip there, and in any minute she knew that Peter was going to do his part. Annie focused on fighting him, as though there wasn’t going to be anyone there to save her. At some point, she started to wonder if anything was going to happen.

“There’s something coming over the top of you. You may wanna dodge that,” Eve said, nearly catching Annie off guard as she stepped back.

Then, Carnival was suddenly pinned to the ground in webbing. The new webbing. It had a more silvery color, and Annie stepped back.

“You think you’re clever, don’t you?”

Annie shrugged, “You could say that.”

“I’ve gotten out of this stuff before,” he stated, looking like he was about to attempt an escape.

They hadn’t specified this part of the plan, but Annie knew that if things went right, they needed to get out before they got hurt by the explosion. She grabbed Peter’s arm and ran for it. Not too far, she could still see exactly what was happening. Though, Annie did pause for a moment to push Peter’s mask up just enough so she could kiss him. There was the sound of an explosion right behind her.

“I love you.”

“I know,” Peter said with a cheeky grin as he pulled his mask back down.

Annie rolled her eyes, “I try to have a cute moment during a mission and this is the thanks I get?”

“Yeah… um you might wanna see this,” Peter said, turning to where Carnival was.

It seemed that he was steadily pushing himself out of the webbing. The explosion hadn’t been enough to weaken him. In fact, he only seemed angered.

Everything in Annie said that she needed to run. She needed to get Peter and they needed to leave before things got worse. Someone else could handle this. They could get Tony to handle this, some other heroes. She wasn’t supposed to do this.

Yet, she remained planted and looked at Carnival, watching carefully as he slowly but surely got himself out. Annie rushed to him, trying to give every attack that she could think of. Carnival quickly countered and got the upper hand easily enough. Peter tried to help, but couldn’t get between both of them right away.

When he did, Carnival simply swept him away into the wall. Annie winced, looking to Peter for a second to see if he was getting up. He was, but Annie couldn't afford to watch something like that happen again. So in a moment’s notice, Annie pulled out one of the knives and had it pressed against Carnival’s throat.

“We never agreed on weapons.”

Annie glared at him, “And we never agreed on you showing up here.”

“So we’re playing that game, hm?” Carnival smirked, managing to wrench the knife from her grip.

Her eyes widened and she jumped out of the way. Where was Tony? Why wasn’t her AI doing anything? This was the type of thing they were supposed to get help for. She really knew that she shouldn’t have used the knife, but it was too late to change that decision.

“Wondering where your assistance ran off to?” he asked, turning the knife in his hand, “All those devices… that can all be turned off with a simple electrical pulse. It takes time, but nothing that a nice, opening conversation can’t take care of.”

Tony didn’t even know that they were in trouble. She froze, so certain that she was going to get her throat cut. Carnival was approaching her and all she could do was back away. Her heartbeat was the only thing pulsing in her mind.

However, Peter had a different plan when he sprinted and attempted to web the knife from Carnival’s hand. He missed by millimeters and Carnival quickly turned his focus to the other hero. Annie attempted to separate them, but she was overpowered and there was a knife pressed to Peter’s throat.

“No, this is you and me. Let him go!” Annie snapped, tears stinging her eyes.

Carnival laughed, “Then he wouldn’t have involved himself. But I’m not completely unreasonable. Come with me. If you come with me, I will leave all this behind. Your boy will stay unharmed. But you must stay with me for forever.”

“And if I tell you to screw off?”

“Then you don’t have a sidekick.”

“Don’t do this! We can figure something out!” Peter begged.

But the lack of space between the knife and Peter seemed to say differently. If she left, everything would be solved. Peter would be safe. She couldn’t be with him, but she’d rather he was safe.

“You’ve done nothing but manipulate me. You know that right?” Annie asked, starting to pace, “This whole time. It’s always been a fear game and you’re always hoping to make everyone miserable. And maybe that makes you feel better, I-I don’t know-”

“Make your choice already.”

“I’m not finished! You’re giving me a choice, but it isn’t one. Not really.”

Peter’s voice was shaky, “Y-you can’t do this. You deserve a chance to move on.”

Annie couldn’t see his face under the mask, but she was positive he was crying. The right choice was obvious, but it wasn’t easy.

“Fine. I’ll go. Now let go of him!” Annie exclaimed.

The knife was dropped to the ground in seconds.

“The least you can do is let me say goodbye,” she said emptily.

Peter rushed to her, holding her tightly, “You can’t do this,” he whispered.

“Just trust me,” she whispered, “It’ll be okay. Go get someone, a-anyone.”

He nodded stiffly before letting go. Annie felt her hands shaking as she turned to follow Carnival. Maybe he could get to Tony before anything could happen. She looked back for a moment and there wasn’t anything on the ground. That was when it hit her.

Perhaps no one would be able to find her. She didn’t know where this guy was going to take her. If she didn’t get this taken care of right then, she would probably never get out of this.

Striking too early was far too predictable and she knew that. The timing had to be perfect. Maybe some small talk as in order. Something to get over her nerves.

“You know what really sucks?” Annie asked, kicking a rock.

“Hm?”

“I won’t get to go to homecoming. Again, you know how much that sucks? Because that guy you almost killed was actually pretty cool.”

Carnival hummed, “I don’t like that you care for him more than you ever cared for me.”

“Sucks for you, I guess.”

“Is that the kind of animosity you would have towards the one who spared that boy’s life?”

On second thought, her temper was wearing thinner and thinner by the second. Without even taking a moment to second guess or see if anyone was there, she pulled out the next knife and jammed it into Carnival’s back as many times as she could get in before he turned around.

It didn’t feel like there was anything happening to her, but Annie saw the other missing knife stabbed into her side. She just kept going and going and then there was no one and the other knife clattered to the cement.

Carnival simply vanished and there was a man in the oddest robes in front of her. Looking from the now empty area to the man, Annie held the knife up. She pushed herself back.

“I wasn’t here for you,” he said, sighing, “He was causing a massive disturbance to the city and there was potential for him to destroy the Sanctum.”

Annie blinked, “Am I losing too much blood? Because half of what you said made no sense.”

“Who I am isn’t important to you. But for what it’s worth, you would’ve only got yourself killed with that constant stabbing. You realize that, right?”

“Sure, let’s say that I did. What did you do that worked so much better?” she asked, looking at the stab wound she had.

The man rolled his eyes as he adjusted his cape, “He’s in a different dimension now.”

“Wait just one minute. You could just make him disappear and not be my problem anymore like that,” she snapped her fingers, “And you didn’t do this until now because… why?”

“He wasn’t a threat.”

“You and I have huge definitions of what a threat looks like. He terrorized Seattle over a year ago and he’s been here for months. Where the hell were you?!”

“I’m responsible for this stone and the Sanctum. Nothing more,” he said firmly as he started to do what looked like a spell.

Annie scoffed, “You’re really just going to leave me here bleeding on the streets?”

“You’ve survived a stab wound before.”

She opened her mouth to counter.

“And your friends are here anyhow. Good day, White Swan.”

With that, he disappeared through a portal. Annie stared straight ahead, trying to think over everything that happened. It was then that she felt a searing pain and she lay in a fetal position on the ground.

She hoped the man was right because the pain was suddenly too much for her to think of anything else. It was impossible to so much as move. As she shut her eyes, she was certain that she heard rushed footsteps.

Tag List (if you want to be added let me know!): @flushings-here / @moonstruckholland / @gaypanda / @twilightparker / @ironmaxn / @parkerpuff / @ijustdontknowsometimes / @dolphinsarecuteandstuff / @lionsfandomsandbearsohmy / @buzzinglee / @lcy-thot

[pingou7]

A car, two cops and a stardust — a RebelCaptain road trip fic

by @pingou7 pingou  for @thestarbirdfromtheashesStarbird

(aka the Road trip fic Diego Luna’s filmography made me write)

Read and enjoy, and please consider leaving me a few words.

Summary:

As the dusty roads criss under Kes Dameron’s old car, Cassian Andor lets the wind mess with his hair through the open window. Dust, sunshine, laughter, its easy to recapture the taste of days long gone.

(…)

At a gas station near Corpus Chirsti, when they climb back after taking a piss, both jump out of their skins as a random brunette, eyes thunderous, hisses dangerously from the backseat:

“Just pretend I’m not here.”

Update: Part 7 is published, give it a chance !

Read more on AO3 (or under the cut)

Part 7 — From Delicias, Chihuahua to Fresnillo, Zacatecas — Day 5.

Cassian, barely up to consciousness, realizes that five days in, they’re nowhere close to Bernal, way behind on their usual schedule. He gets up groggily and searches for the only pair of clean pants he has left in his suitcase, realizing that keeping him respectably clean before Bernal is soon going to cause further delay. Echoing his thoughts, Kes mutters sleepily about how he really needs to find a Laundromat today — apparently his married state left him spoiled in the domestic department.

For a few hazy minutes, neither take Jyn into account until she snorts and Cassian’s world is thrown out of its axis in a blink again. By contrast, she doesn’t seem perturbed by their presence nor bothered by her own lack of fashion choice. She has even cleaned her clothes in the sink with a bit of soap. Kes mocks her for it, but the obvious resourcefulness it shows, as slight as it is, doesn’t go unnoticed by either men.

She sends them a withering glare, but it’s not as if they’d ask her to do their laundry! The sight’s familiar that’s all: Dolores had a really big stone tank like this one, outside of her house. Before that, Mama Dameron and his had liked to use it to clean laundry too, or the boys when they were young enough to do so. His hazy impression of it was deep, and cool, and he remembers splashing around gleefully.

A vision from another time comes unbidden then, his brother in his place, giggling while himself stood guard. He’d wished for Cass to join him... but at six he had felt too old. He’d refused and Marco pouted, sulking. His stomach plummets violently at the recollection and Kes has to snap his fingers in front of him to pull him back to the present.

“Cassian? You look green, you’re not gonna be sick, are you?”

Oh, he’s sick all right, he’s alive, and the sight of a soapy sink is enough to make him lose it. Previous travels to Mexico weren’t as bad, so why is he so vulnerable, all of sudden? His weak emotional state darkens his mood and he does his best to shrug his best friend's concern away.

After all, the reason for his anxiousness rests squarely on Jyn's shoulders, he assures himself. Truth be told, it’s better pondering on her current family issues than his former ones. Kay would say it’s a pathetic attempt at avoiding his own problems, but he’s not here to shake some sense into him and Kes’ pretty indulgent that way.

She doesn't ask what prompted them to stop here, even come morning and as Cassian locks the door behind them a few minutes later, neither men fill her in. It wouldn't be important to her anyway. The vacancy of the house is obvious, yet Cassian puts the key back exactly where he found it, just in case. Someone might have use of that in the year separating them from their next stop? It'd be so nice if people were to finally fill that dormant sad place with laughter and life. All has been gone for a decade, now...

"Cass, c'mon, are you driving or shall I?"

He opts for getting behind the wheel and smacks his brother's hand away from the radio. No more sappy songs, for they have more than seven hours of driving ahead — and at that Jyn groans, declaring them insane:

"It's nonsense. You could have just bought a plane ticket and we would have gotten to your destination faster."

"Right, actually that's the plan for the return home. You're pretty judgmental for someone who imposed herself on us, girl."

"You're not imposing yourself, Jyn," Cassian denies quickly. "It's just the farewell trip of this piece of junk, and Kes wanted to dispose of it where he first got it. We wanted to enjoy the last ride."

"Well, do you?" Jyn asks with a smirk in their direction.

Kes looks at Cassian with a gleam in his eyes but he feigns innocence as he declares her company to be enjoyable in his most neutral voice. For a second here he thinks Dameron will strangle himself with laughter but he keeps his trap shut. Instead, it's Jyn who speaks again.

“For the record guys, I'm relieved to have ended up with you, despite the long driving and corny music, hitchhiking sucks.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“Nope, I didn’t expect to tag along, at first, you know? Besides I can be traced back to some extent. People talk. I can be found.”

“Right, because traveling with cops on vacation makes so much sense when you're fleeing...”

“Less work for you in case it turns bad, but meanwhile I stay relatively safe, that’s a win-win in my book.”

"Why would things turn bad, Jyn?"

“Why wouldn't they," she bites back instantly, "everything has always soured where my father's concerned. I'm just enjoying the reprieve I get."

Her resignation ignites Cassian's fury, because she can't be so fatalistic yet, without giving herself a chance. She can’t surrender without trying to turn the odds in her favor, without a fight.

"Everyone doesn't have the luxury of having such a determined mindset. Generally I prefer to be left alone, Cassian."

"If you're so convinced your situation will explode, why bother at all then? Just hide yourself away until you're an old frightened woman."

"I've got moderate chance to reach that point if I don't hide, so keep your condescension to yourself!"

"Everyone lost something, is struggling day by day. Some just decided to do something about it."

"Hey, don't have a spat in my car," Kes intervenes in his Dad voice, rubbing his temples, "besides, Stardust, you're not alone, you've got us in your corner."

Her look is still dubious and okay, maybe Cassian handled this the wrong way, but she cannot be passive and defiant all at once. One way or another, she will have to take a stand and he doesn't mind pushing her until she does. Power above made them cross paths for a reason, and he'll be damned before he lets her go away unchanged.

She has already changed him, but how he cannot define yet.

The remaining four hours of travel pass without the sound of her voice. The Charolastras don’t feel obliged to fill the silence however so Cassian tries to shut his mind off the memories progressively leaking in his head, as the scenery passes around them. Nothing to distract him, not even their silent fugitive or Kes absently humming an ABBA song of all things...

“You’re dreadful, you know that cabrón? With the amount of stupid songs you got memorized, it’s a wonder you can function at all.”

“You like ABBA rudo.”

“Yeah right, sorry to disappoint but it’s getting on my nerves. The only time i enjoy their repertoire is when I’m drunk and you know it.”

He prays Kes won’t disclose the drunken rendition he made of Super Trooper with Alexsandr Kallus and Ahsoka Tano but he keeps his vows and stays mercifully quiet. Jyn isn’t likely bound to ensure his wellbeing however and starts to belt out “Waterloo” pretty loudly and off-key just to mess with him. Kes sniggers and joins in, like the false brother he is. Sab’s house in Fresnillo suddenly seems absurdly further away but he can’t bring himself to stay mad. When Jyn sends him an impish look in the mirror as Kes switches to “Take a chance on me” he lets a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

By the time they reach Sandro Saba’s house, the air within the car is almost cracking with restlessness. Jyn has switched places twice and stares at their smartphones with a mixture of longing and apprehension. They have already told her she could call anybody she wanted but she refused.

They park and amazingly their friend is on the porch, ready to greet them as warmly as ever. His bloodshot eyes and vacant smile, not to mention the smell that comes heavily from his clothes are obvious clues but only Jyn feels the need to point it out:

"Is he...?"

"Yep, stoned."

"And you're okay with that?"

"One, we're not working for the DEA, two we're on vacation, and three his usual recreational use does no harm to anyone. In fact, you're welcome to have some, I'm sure Saba wouldn't mind sharing. You seem a bit stressed out," Kes leers, inexplicably amused by the glare she bestows upon him.

"I'd rather stay an uptight bitch, thanks Dameron," she snaps, making Cassian snort into his beer and his brother guffaw for the whole neighborhood to hear.

"Jyn," Cassian adds more soberly, "you can relax a bit without the magic herbs, make your call and if you worry about Sab, you don’t need to fear him flapping his jaw to anyone. He has the attention span of a goldfish. I swear Poe’s more of a risk. He won’t remember you tomorrow."

“If you say so.”

“I’m sure of it. We had a pretty wild teens.”

“For cops, maybe," Jyn retorts wryly, smirking, “but I can say without a doubt that it was tame next to mine.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t bet on it,” Kes replies with the ghost of the little punks they were audible in his voice.

Cassian wouldn’t bet either, as the bygone tastes of weed and cheap tequila invade his memory. The aftermath of Soccer matches and bar brawls tingles under his skin, too. If he squints, he could call back visions of tables with too many boisterous guests for the food prepared that day. It was a hard yet a simpler life than the solitary one he leads now.

“Do you want to go out? It’s Friday, so... I wouldn’t mind unwinding after spending hours and hours in the car.”

“I know a guy...” Sandro starts slowly, because some people never change, and somehow after mandatory calls, the three tourists end up at a party nearby.

“Want to dance,” Cassian asks Jyn a good while later, because the beat of the song currently playing calls to him.

“I’d rather not, I don’t really know how to dance Cassian. Not sober that is.”

Kes snorts at her honesty, rising his own glass in a mock salute, yet he assures: “Don’t worry, rudo here dances well enough for the two of you.”

“Indulge me,” Cassian drawls, as low and deep as he can.

He revels inwardly in Jyn’s catch of breath. Kes clearly seems to enjoy the sight as well, for he discreetly gives him a thumb up behind her. He feels like the man for a second, and the corners of Cassian’s mouth quirk into a wicked grin. He wants to give her a nudge already, but she remains self-conscious, scanning the crowd of strangers. Maybe he should retract his offer, considering how uncomfortable she is, but he really wants to dance with her.

After a few seconds of pondering, she lets him lead her to the dance floor awkwardly, but his grip is reassuring enough for her to sway to the music. She’s tense at first but he’d seen her move swiftly before and he knows she can be graceful. He gets closer still, his hand finding a proper grip on her hip — perhaps a bit lower than strictly necessary — but as he sends her a reassuring smile she relaxes in his grasp. This is no different than the intimacy they have come to share during the nights, and whether it’s the liquid courage, the music or his proximity, Jyn lets herself be led completely.

She doesn’t know the steps, but she mirrors him at the best of her ability. She’s light on her feet too, so pretty soon both enjoy themselves and she ends up giggling as he makes her spin and fall back into his arms. When the third song ends, she pleads for a break, all pink cheeks and short of breath.

“Come on Captain, you owe me a drink.”

However, when they reach the table, Kes is nowhere to be seen and he even had the decency to pay the tab. Scribbled on the receipt is a rowdy advice in Spanish and the long forgotten emblem of the Charolastras they had invented as kids.

Sometimes, cursí could really be the nicest bloke.

[the-excursion]

Between the Barrier

It was a quiet afternoon for Ryan as he sat in the living room of his house by himself as he usually did when he waited for Eira to return. He had his headphones in and scrolled around on his phone as he tried to stay warm from the cold weather outside. That was until he saw the front door come flying open as Eira came in, talking on the phone while trying to remain calm and stifle her apparent excitement.

“No.. yeah I understand, don’t worry. How long has it been just him and me now? You know I’ll keep good care of him… Really?? Oh my god.. thank you so much.. We love you too, bye,” Eira hung up the phone as she closed the door and put her stuff down then jogged to the living room. She leapt over the couch and sat next to Ryan.

“Um hi? I never see you with this much energy at the end of the day,” Ryan said as he pulled his headphones down.

“Well, Ryan. There’s uh big news; we’re going to Yumemi,” She said eagerly.

“What? All the way over there? Wha- uh how?” He asked.

“So as you know I won first in the local skating competition. They liked me so much that they want me at another big competition going on over there I guess. And how could I refuse?” Eira explained.

“No yeah, that’s great! Congratulations, Eira” Ryan said as they hugged shortly.

“Start packing your bag. We’re leaving in a couple days,” she said.

“Do mom and dad know? What did they say?” He asked.

“I just got off the phone with them and they said they were totally cool and that they’d be watching from the tv. Ah Ryan this is big. And I’ll be using your original songs, you’re getting your publicity,” Eira chimed. Ryan paused a moment as he could only just look at her.

“Really?” He finally asked.

“Of course. You gave those to me, why would I ever stop using them?” She said. Ryan ever so slightly began to get misty eyed as a smirk came to his face. “Aw Ryan don’t give me that or you’ll make me cry too,” Eira said as she quickly pulled him into a tight hug. “Hey I just might use one you sang with Macey. I know what you guys have been up to and your new experiments so I’d really like to use one. Just- just bring all your music. Speaking of which, why not call her and invite her to come? The officials of the competition are waiting on me to call them to see how many tickets they should get for us. It would be fun,” Eira said as she nudged his shoulder.

“As much as a good idea it is, I hm can’t. Macey’s on vacation with her parents. She hardly sees them so they took her on vacation to spend time together,” Ryan explained as he showed a picture of Macey holding a peace sign with a bright beach behind her.

“Oh that’s ok, next time then,” Eira said as she stood from the couch and ruffled his hair. “We’re staying over there for a week. Our own personal vacation. Except me, I’ll be working,” Eira winked before going into her room with her stuff.

Eira had explained the details of their trip, all to Kuon’s excitement. Ryan and Eira were soon on the next plane to Yumemi. Once they landed, the two got their carry-ons and made their way through the airport. They both began to feel a bit lost until Ryan got Eira’s attention and pointed ahead of them where they saw Kuon and Kaze with bright smiles. They jogged over to each other as Eira leapt into Kuon’s arms. He picked her up and spun around with her as she yelped in surprise. Kuon then put her down and greeted Ryan as Eira greeted Kaze.

“Well this is great, huh. It’s been a bit. It was supposed to be our visiting weekend but even better now that you came to us,” Kaze said as he took Ryan’s suitcase as Kuon took Eira’s. “Hey Ryan, where’s Macey?” Kaze asked.

“Couldn’t make it. She’s on vacation.”

“Aw, you guys are usually together! Ah that’s ok, at least we have this dynamic duo to fill the air,” Kaze joked as he pointed to Eira and Kuon. Kuon elbowed him on his side. “So you guys are cordially invited to stay with me and Kaze at our house,” Kuon said brightly.

“Actually, that uh won’t be necessary,” Eira said with a playful tilt of her head. “The officials of the competition gave Jade and I the option of staying at Sierra Muse, this fancy exclusive hotel where most of the competitors are staying. I’m sure Jade is already settled in there. So, you all are cordially invited to stay at Sierra Muse with me.” The boys’ eyes widened. Kaze grew an overjoyed expression.

“Hell yeah!!” He exclaimed, throwing a fist in the air.

“Wait, they’ll let you bring us in? Won’t we get in trouble?” Kuon came in.

“Hm I’m sure they’ll pull some strings for me. If not, Jade will handle it. Let’s loosen up and have some fun, I owe Ryan this vacation,” Eira responded as she ruffled Ryan’s hair.

“Thanks, Eira. This’ll be great,” Ryan said.

“What are we waiting for then! Let’s hit it!” Kaze said. They all then followed Eira to where they were leading in-coming competitors to transportation to the hotel.

They were soon taken to the hotel where they saw Jade standing in the lobby. Her eyes lit up as she opened her mouth to speak until a hotel staff member stopped them.

“As far as I have been informed, competitors are just allowed to be with their coaches only,” he said to Eira.

“Hey buddy, it’s alright. As my skater I allowed her to bring along whoever she wanted. If there’s a problem I’ll just bring it up to the manager and see what she thinks about her security meddling with the competition,” Jade said surely.

“Ah alright, enjoy your stay,” the man said as he let them through. Jade went to hug Eira as she brightly greeted the others. She showed them over to their room which had two suites with two beds in each room and a door dividing them.

“This is awesome,” Kaze said as he nodded an impressed nod.

“Only the best for the pro skaters,” Jade winked.

“Now we get to really enjoy our time here together,” Kuon said as he went to hold Eira’s hand, a blush coming to her face as she gave a bashful smile.

“You bet, and with that said, girls in one room and boys in the other,” Jade said with her hands on her hips as she glanced at the two’s hands. Kuon and Eira swiftly let go of each other and chuckled.

“Wait, you guys didn’t bring anything to stay here for a week,” Ryan came in.

“Don’t worry about it, in the morning we can stop by our place and pack some stuff and be back here before breakfast,” Kaze winked.

“Sounds like a plan. They’re giving us a couple free days anyway so you guys can take us sightseeing, it’ll be fun,” Eira said. With that, they went to get settled in their respective rooms.

Once it was morning, a low alarm sounded in the boys’ room. Kaze sat up in bed and stretched as he swiftly turned it off. He looked over to the second bed and made sure Ryan was still asleep. He smirked then stood up on the bed, kicking Kuon off to the floor with his foot.

“Ahh what the heck, man??” Kuon groaned as he untangled himself from the blankets. Kaze shushed him as he put a finger to his own lips and winked.

“We said we were going to get our stuff before breakfast and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do. The sooner we do it, the better. We can’t keep your lady waiting~,” Kaze said playfully.

“Alright alright..” Kuon responded. As soon as they got ready they quietly made it out of the suite and down to the lobby. Kaze was both a night owl and a morning person so he was in high spirits after picking up Eira and Ryan late last night. While Kuon was still attempting to keep himself from yawning as he walked.

“Hey watch it pal!” He heard just ahead of him. Someone had knocked into Kaze and pushed him back in response.

“Hey back off! How about you watch it?” Kuon said as all he could do was shove the guy’s shoulder before Kaze pulled him back.

“Yo chill its no problem,” Kaze assured.

“Hm I haven’t seen you guys before. You surely can’t be competitors, it’s a wonder that you’re even guests here,” the guy with platinum blonde hair said as he smugly crossed his arms.

“Well we’ve been specially invited by one of the skaters, thanks very much,” Kaze said in a matter of fact tone.

“Yeah how are you even here anyway? Aren’t these competitions gender-specific?” Kuon asked as he glared at him.

“Oh don’t you know? This is a pairskate match. We’ve been practicing for a month before hand.” He responded. Kuon just looked on at him with a baffled expression.

“Ah, I’m assuming your lady didn’t tell you in advance. What a shame. But it really could just be an honest mistake. Well whoever she, or even he, may be I’m sure they’ll do just fine. Maybe not as well as me and my partner, but just fine. I’ll see you around,” he said with a glint in his eye as he waved them off. Kuon and Kaze just watched him leave.

“What a dumbass,” Kaze said. “So uh, what are ya gonna do now?”

“Well, let’s get our stuff first and then we’ll talk it over. I’m sure it just had to slip Eira’s mind to tell me. I trust her,” Kuon said. Kaze nodded as they then walked out of the hotel.

They came back with small suitcases that they dropped off at the room and met up with the others in the small diner within the hotel.

“So how’s Rick, Jade?” Eira asked brightly.

“Oh he’s fine. Watching over the rink and the kids and all. Those two are so proud of their mom and dad right now hehe. They’ll be watching on tv so you know they’re there every step of the way,” Jade responded surely as she fiddled with her wedding ring.

“Ryan, you have Eira’s song right?” Jade chimed.

“Mm hm. It’s here. I just don’t know why you want to use this one. Macey and I were experimenting with storytelling,” Ryan said.

“That’s exactly why I want to use it,” Eira said.

“Hey Eira,” Kuon spoke up. “What kind of competition are you in right now?”

Eira gave a weary glance to Jade. Jade only tilted her head curiously.

“Um.. oh Ever,” Eira began with his pet-name. “I know you trust me and that you’d be understanding but I still kinda kept it from you. It’s uh.. a pair-skate.”

“What?” Ryan asked with wide eyes.

“Wait you didn’t tell anyone??” Jade exclaimed.

“I’m sorry! Look, I’ve been doing well in winning on my own. I’m proud of where I’ve gotten. Jade suggested to me I try another division to see how that would go. To see if I would be any good at it,” Eira explained.

“Ah so Jade roped you into this,” Kaze said.

“Hey don’t look at me! She was supposed to have told you earlier!” She protested.

“You know, you could’ve at least let me meet the guy who will be skating nice and close with my girlfriend. To make sure I could trust him with you,” Kuon said.

“I know. And I’m sorry. With Jade peptalking me I was focusing on what would be the best for my career, I didn’t think to tell you and once I did we were already so deep in practices. It’s just me not knowing when to open my mouth,” Eira said glumly. Ryan looked at her with understanding eyes. Kuon thought a moment then gave a sigh before holding her hands in his across the table.

“Of course I forgive you, Eira. You’re expanding your competitive horizon. That’s cool. Can I just.. meet him though?” Kuon said.

“Of course! But I don’t know when, he said he’ll be taking advantage of the free days to keep to himself and tour around. He hasn’t been to Yumemi himself. Maybe on a day we practice,” Eira said. They all agreed as they soon finished up their breakfast and went out for the day.

They were able to go around as Kuon and Kaze showed them around their favorite places to go. It brought Eira back to the days when she went to school in Yumemi. They did some shopping and Eira was able to take plenty of pictures for her social media while Ryan took some pictures to send to Macey. Kaze took Ryan and Jade for further sightseeing while Kuon and Eira sat at a bench in the shopping center as they watched people crossing the streets and going from store to store with bags in their hands.

“Kuon, um.. you’ve managed to make my trip here a whole lot less stressful,” Eira said tenderly as she locked her fingers with his, a blush coming to her face.

“I’m glad to help, Eira,” Kuon responded as his face flushed as well. A short silence came between them as Kuon scratched behind his head.

“You ok?” Eira asked with a tilt of her head.

“Oh yeah. I’m just still a bit worried about who your partner is,” he admitted.

“Oh Kuon. You should know you have nothing to worry about when it comes to me.. right?” She said.

“No yeah I totally trust you Eira, of course. It’s just him I’m worried about. What if he tries something funny? That you’re not cool with or.. I don’t know,” Kuon said. Eira chuckled and nuzzled closer to him.

“We’ve been practicing together for a few months and especially so the last month in advance for this competition. I can assure you we have our boundaries and agreements set in stone,” Eira explained.

“It’s still also strange to me how you’ve been practicing so much and never thought to tell me..” Kuon said in a mockingly upset tone.

“It’s strange how you didn’t find out,” Eira jokingly argued. Kuon paused a moment and rose a brow.

“...Touche,” He said with a short laugh. They both sighed then continued to look out at the people. After a moment, Kuon turned his head to look at Eira again and smiled. She looked back and curiously tilted her head until he tenderly leaned his head forward and kissed her.

Soon the next day rolled around and Eira woke up to properly organize their shopping bags in the room. Jade stepped into the room and got her attention.

“Hey, it’s the first day of real practice time. Let’s hustle and meet at the rink,” she said. Eira nodded as she watched Jade leave then turned back and finished up the bags. She then went next door and knocked on the boys’ room door to find Kuon had answered.

“First day of real practice. We get three. Now you’ll get to meet the mystery man. Care to walk with me?” Eira teased. Kuon chuckled and shook his head.

“I would love to, but I have to make sure these two are in order first. We’ll see you there,” he responded. Eira kindly nodded and was about to step out. “Hey,” he called and held her arm before she could go.

“Hm?” Eira hummed curiously. Kuon gently pulled her in and pecked her on the lips. A sudden blush came to her face which only made Kuon enjoy it more as he pulled her into a longer kiss. She obliged and wrapped her arms around him for a moment until she snapped out of it and pulled away as she began to laugh. “A-Alright alright already I have to go or Jade will get mad.”

“I can’t help it if you leave me wanting more. I can’t have enough when you’re so good,” Kuon teased her.

“K-Kuon shut up! I’m- I’m leaving. God.. Ryan is in there,” Eira said embarrassedly as she briskly walked off. Kuon laughed to himself as he watched her leave before closing the door and turning back to the room. Kaze only grinned and gave a thumbs up before turning to look at Ryan who was still asleep in his bed. Kaze jumped onto the bed and stood with his hands on his hips before he kicked him off and laughed.

“Rise and shine! No one is safe when I’m awake first!” He called. Ryan could only sit up on the floor and rub his head as he stayed in a daze.

The three guys soon made it to the rink where the competition was going to be held. They looked around with wide eyes at the large size of it all. Kaze gave a long whistle which echoed around the rink, being impressed by the view.

“I can’t believe Eira can compete in places like this,” Ryan said.

“Well she usually doesn’t, right? She usually sticks with local competitions. She’s trying something new and brave,” Kuon said brightly.

“Let’s go find her,” Ryan suggested. They walked around the bleachers and looked out to the rink to spot any sign of Eira or Jade. There were multiple skaters on the rink which made it harder to see. They then finally spotted Jade on the ice talking to someone before getting in position and making a jump herself. She smiled and gave a firm nod before stepping off the ice and watching the rink with her hands resting on the rink barrier. Kuon was about to call out to her until he spotted Eira in the ice being lifted up then carefully brought back down by her partner.

“Good good. Just remember that jump. And you were a little shaky once you were putting her down there though. Where’s that arm strength, Jayce…?”

“Yes, sorry ma’am,” Eira’s partner responded to Jade as they made their way back to her. Eira soon noticed the guys standing there.

“Oh Kuon! You guys made it. Here, this is-“

“YOU?” Kuon, Kaze, and Jayce exclaimed to each other.

“So.. you guys have met…” Eira said with a raised brow.

“Eira dear, these are the jerks I told you about that ran into me the other day,” Jayce said.

“Us the jerks? You were the one who decided to shove me even though it was an accident,” Kaze came in.

“This happened and you didn’t tell me?” Eira asked.

“I didn’t think he was worth mentioning but I guess he had other ideas,” Kuon said.

“Yeah he was all like “your girlfriend won’t do as good as me and my partner” and whatever else,” Kaze added.

“Wait you mean to tell me-”

“Yes Jayce, Kuon is my boyfriend,” Eira said in an annoyed tone. They were all silent for a moment as they processed everything. “You felt the need to insult these guys you didn’t even know?” She then said.

“I- Well- ah.. there’s no excuse,” Jayce responded. “Alright. Kuon, I’m sorry, man. I guess it was just.. I don’t know. The stress of the competition. Have to keep a confident front to win huh. Also I’m from Pacifica and only ever go to New Athens now and then and those two are hustling cities so I definitely act like it. Sorry to you both,” he said as he shook hands with Kuon and Kaze. They both nodded to him unsurely. “Hey, you’re Eira’s brother right? Nice to meet you,” he continued as he shook Ryan’s hand. “Alright Eira, let’s take it from the top,” he said before skating out to the ice.

“Uh.. not a good first impression,” Ryan said.

“Ugh I know. I’m sorry guys. But he’s a trustworthy partner at least,” Eira responded. She comfortingly put her hand to Kuon’s cheek before skating out to the ice with Jayce.

“So what do you think?” Ryan asked Kuon as they stayed by the barrier while Jade and Kaze sat at the bleachers.

“Hm I don’t know. Now that he knows I’m the one who put a damper on his day he might want to get back at me,” Kuon said.

“I don’t think he would put his partnership with Eira on the line for that,” Ryan said.

“No he wouldn’t hurt her. But he could end up manipulating her and flirt just to get back at me,” Kuon said.

“One two three four five six seven eight, yes hold it let me see!” Jade called out to them on the ice. Jayce lifted her up then put her down into a low dip. Eira had her head back with her arms out, fingers grazing the ice as Jayce leaned down closer to her. His face barely touching hers and making his way down her neck.

“Hey Jade! This is part of the routine??” Kuon asked.

“Oh yeah. It’s supposed to be majestic. A gripping, captivating story that melts your very soul. You don’t know how hard I had to work so that Eira could stop being embarrassed and turning red. A red face and nervous expression does not look good on the ice. It’s all acting and I had to constantly remind her of that, which I’ll gladly remind you too,” Jade explained.

“You do know the judges are more so focused on the actual routine than they are of “a story” right?” Kuon said with a flat look.

“Kill the fun why don’t you,” Jade remarked.

“You trained them well then. It looks like they’re about to make out or something,” Kaze snickered. They turned to look back at them. Jayce and Eira were up right in a ballroom stance as they twirled around as Jayce held her close.

“Here this’ll make you feel better. Alright guys, finishing move let’s see it,” Jade called out to them. The two let go of each other as they simultaneously made a jump then posed looking away from each other, only holding each other’s hand. They all clapped for them except for Kuon who still held an unsure look.

“Excellent. You looked very believable out there. We’ll be super ready for the competition in no time,” Jade said as Eira and Jayce skated back to them.

“Will be ready? We are ready,” Jayce said confidently.

“You did a lot better on this second run, Jayce,” Jade pointed out.

“Huh, well let’s say I had a new motivator,” he said as he winked at Kuon. Kuon furrowed his brows and crossed his arms.

“Let me just make something clear alright? Whatever you choose to do is strictly for the act,” he said firmly.

“Heh of course. That’s obvious isn’t it?” Jayce responded. Kuon could only stand quiet. “Hey, why don’t we all go and do something fun huh? We’ve practiced a lot already. You guys already went shopping and sightseeing though, right?”

“Yeah,” Jade responded.

“And I did that too. Well, let’s just go eat out somewhere,” Jayce suggested.

“Alright with me. You guys down?” Jade asked. They all agreed and were soon on their way out. They spent the time talking and getting to know Jayce a little more. While he acted more respectful and kind than before, whenever Kuon wanted sometime with Eira, Jayce unknowingly found a way to interrupt.

“Ah I’m sorry Kuon. We’re skate partners which formed this friendship. I don’t think he’s used to my boyfriend being around,” Eira said as her and Kuon walked behind the rest of them. “I’m sure he’s not doing it on purpose. What could he have to gain from doing that?”

“Trying to make me jealous? Whisking you away?” Kuon exaggerated. Eira laughed and nudged his shoulder. “It looks like he’s on better terms with Kaze and gets along with Ryan. I’m glad,” Eira said, watching Jayce talk away with the two.

“Well Kaze’s a talker and Jayce is definitely one too. Talkers attract. And Ryan’s a spectator to it all being more of a listener so of course he wants to hear everything and be involved,” Kuon said. Eira looked up at him and smiled.

“So Ryan you made the song we’re using? I’ll have to hire you to make stuff for just my skates next time,” Jayce chimed.

“Hey he’s not the only one that makes music ya know. I could definitely use the work,” Kaze said.

“Oh, then I’ll definitely keep that in mind,” Jayce laughed.

“Even though Jayce is a good friend and skate partner, he and really no one will know me as well as you,” Eira said kindly. Kuon gave a proud smile and hugged her from the side.

“You’re… right! I really shouldn’t be worrying so much. There’s things he’ll never know. Like.. what a late night conversation over the phone with you is like, what your true devotion to your responsibilities, to Ryan means to you… what a great kisser you are…”

“Kuon!” Eira protested. He laughed and shook his head. “You see? You’re right,” she then assured with an amused shake of her head.

“Alright everyone! It’s getting late and we only have a couple more practice days left until the big time. Let’s get our rest alright?” Jade said. They agreed and started to make their way to their rooms.

“Yo Kuon!” Jayce came up to him and dapped him, looking him in the eyes. “Today was fun. It was cool getting to know you and Eira dear’s friends. At first I thought you guys were a couple of idiots walking around. But you guys are cool. No hard feelings.” Kuon smiled and gave a nod.

“Yeah. We thought you were some stuck up loser. You’re not so bad yourself,” Kuon joked. They chuckled then waved each other off before heading back to their rooms.

The next couple days were full of practice and by the end of each one they would all eat together which comforted Kuon’s lingering uneasiness. The day of their skate finally came and they were making their final preparations.

“You turned in the song right?” Ryan asked Eira.

“Yeah, this is going to be special because of you,” she brightly responded.

“I’m actually getting a little nervous about this.”

“How do you think I’m feeling? But just um.. hone that anxiety into excitement. That’s what I’ve come to learn how to do. It’s something we can practice together,” Eira assured him as she updated her social media. Ryan smiled and nodded until someone knocked on the door to her room.

“You guys done in there?” Kuon said on the other side.

“Yeah come in,” Eira said. Kuon walked in to find Eira ready in costume in a light black and blue dress with glittering fabric and her hair up in a ponytail

“You look amazing,” he said. Eira blushed and picked up her bag.

“Thank you. Now, let’s get going guys,” she said.

They made their way to the rink to find the place was full of people and the judges were sitting in their places. Cameras and reporters were scattered about as people waited in anticipation for the competition to start. Officials directed Kuon and Kaze to sit front row at the bleachers while they let Ryan and Jade stand by the barrier. Jayce caught up with them wearing a similar black and blue suit to Eira’s. Jayce and Eira hugged and took a picture together to quickly post online before some reporters went to catch last minute interviews with them. Kuon smiled as he noticed Eira trying to hide her inner nervousness in front of the cameras. Soon last minute practices were called off of the rink as the competition started. They watched and cheered at each pair going by. Kuon wished he could be right by Eira’s side as he watched her from between the barrier.

Soon it was Jayce and Eira’s turn on the ice. One of Ryan and Macey’s newer songs played as they began to skate. They performed flawlessly and in sync with each other. In certain moments of closeness between them, Jayce remained at a reasonable distance. Kuon chuckled and crossed his arms.

“I knew he only did that before to annoy me,” Kuon said to Kaze. Ryan watched on with bright eyes as he recorded a bit of the performance for Macey to see live. She would soon go on to see the full performance on tv. Eira and Jayce were solely focused on their routine, forgetting about the rest of the world around them especially when it came to the more complicated jumps and tricks. They would lock eyes with each other when they were even slightly uncertain of the next move and they carried each other all the way through to the end. The audience roared with their finish. Eira and Jayce held hands and bowed before shortly embracing. They made their way off the ice together and embraced their friends before getting their grand results.

It was their final night at the hotel as they packed their things, cleared the rooms, and awaited their transports back to the airport.

“See you next time Jayce, Kuon, Kaze. You guys are always a riot,” Jade said kindly as she got into the taxi. Kaze went and hugged Ryan tight before he playfully ruffled his hair.

“See ya later, bud. Keep those tracks coming. I’m always happy to help when you get stuck with something,” he said surely.

“Heh definitely. We’ll do a collab,” Ryan said. He then gave a short hug to Kuon then looked to Eira who assured him to wait in the taxi with Jade.

“It was cool to meet you all. Kaze, you can bet on me taking you up on your offer. I’d like to get to know you better,” Jayce said with a cunning smile.

“Uh yeah, sure. Heh see ya Eira, imma just wait over there..” Kaze said unsurely as he swiftly went to stand by the hotel. The three laughed.

“Again, sorry about that misunderstanding before. You two are great. And Kaze’s something,” Jayce continued.

“Uhh if you say so..” Kuon laughed.

“You don’t need a ride to New Athens?” Eira offered.

“No, I’m going straight back to Pacifica. Been too long away from home practicing with you and all. I need to sleep in my own bed,” Jayce responded.

“Alright see you. Thank you for the costumes they worked great.” Eira said.

“Of course they were. Designed by yours truly! Take good care of her, Kuo~” he said before stepping into his own taxi and driving off.

“Well this was a trip,” Kuon said lightheartedly.

“It always is ever since we’ve been together. You make my life exciting,” Eira said.

“I could say the same thing about you.” They gave each other a short peck before he opened the door of the taxi for her and let her in. Kuon waved her off as the taxi drove away.

[realexotrash]

Cabin // pt. 6

(Picture does not belong to me // credit to its owner)

Genre: Fluff, Smut (nothing really happens in this chapter besides teasing so...), teasing Baekhyun

Warning: Cursing, smutty stuff, ya know the usual.

Authors note: Hey so uh... I’m not dead. I’m sorry I know last chapter I was like “yeah I’m gonna update more and put out stuff more frequently” and what not but... haha that didn’t really happen. I’ve gotten some messages and anons and some of y’all are heated and I’m sorry. I will try to write more and put out more chapters that aren’t like a month apart. You guys just gotta remember that I want to write and update but I have school and that is my main priority, which is why I try to reblog a lot of stuff for you all to look at while I’m away. Okay anyways, enjoy this chapter, it was requested by a lovely Baekhyun stan and I loved the idea so thank you to the person who gave me the idea you know who you are <3. ANYWAY here’s Cabin pt. 6

Not my best work, but it’s the best that I can do ❤

Pt: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

“I love you too.”

You wake up at about 9pm. The cold crisp air fills your senses and you realize you’re freezing. Looking down under the covers you’re still fully naked, and looking right next to you at a sleeping Baekhyun, so is he.

You shift closer to him, wrapping your arms around his waist as his heat radiates off of his body; this boy is literally a walking heater. You feel him stir and his arms wrap around you, pulling you closer to him.

You kiss his chest. “Baek,” you peck his chest again, “It’s already 9.”

He gives a disapproving grunt, “But you’re warm.” 

“Yeah but I’m hungry.” You giggle, reaching your hand up to brush the hair out of his face. 

As soon as you mention food he’s smiling down at you, “Me too, and your mom bought stuff for tacos.” 

“A taco sounds really heckin good right now.” 

Baekhyun starts getting out of bed, just now realizing you’re both bare. Looking back at you he smirks, probably remembering the event just a few hours ago that now has you sore.

He reaches into his suitcase that’s placed right next to the bed and takes out two oversized black t-shirts and two pairs of his boxers, handing one of each to you. You quickly slip them on and sit up. “How do those feel?”

You hug yourself, “comfy.” Earning a chuckle from Baekhyun.

He stands up and makes his way around the bed till he’s at your side, “I’m gonna go start making the tacos,” giving your forehead a kiss. “Come out when you’re ready.” 

As Baekhyun leaves you try to stand up, only to sit back down. Wow are you sore, like sore doesn’t even begin to explain it. You try again, trying as hard as you can to attempt to even look like you’re walking normal just to get to the bathroom. “Jesus it looks like you’re doing a friken crab dance y/n” you whisper to yourself quickly going in and out of the bathroom.

You wobble into the kitchen like a lamb that just took its first steps. Baekhyun catches a glimpse and tries not to laugh, “sore?” he says while literally giggling to himself as he chops lettuce.

You sit at the kitchen island, “maybe...” and start to laugh at how ridiculous you must’ve just looked. Baekhyun starts laughing too, “Hey!!! Don’t laugh at my crab dance!!!” Your comment has him clapping with a spatula in his hand, slowly bending to the ground from laughter.

Baekhyun gets up and sees your fake pout, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He makes his way to you, “Is there anything I can do?” He caresses your cheek with his thumb.

“All I need are some good tacos.” You smile, showing him you’re okay.

He chuckles, “There’s also some Aspirin in the bathroom, let me go get it.”

It’s about 10pm now, you and Baek are both lying on the couch, silently watching some weird movie Baekhyun randomly clicked on. You couldn’t really make out what the full plot was since you started watching it about 45 minutes in, yet somehow you both were so into it. 

The girl on the screen decided to have a heavy make out with one of the blonde dudes and you just hear Baekhyun gasp next to you.

“That's not her boyfriend! Her boyfriend is the other guy with the green shirt!!” Baekhyun shovels a handful of kettle corn into his mouth and continues talking “She’s dead, I’m telling you, that girl is going to die next. And rightfully so.” You literally can’t help but to laugh silently as literal tears formed at the corners of your eyes because of how absolutely serious Baekhyun is.

Further into the movie, one of the red headed girls decided to “resist” her lust for her best friend’s brother and go with her actual boyfriend (the one who her best friend made out with). 

“Wow she’s got some will power. You couldn’t resist me like that.” Baekhyun says, staring intently at the screen.

You look at him, “says who? If I recall, you’ve been the one all over me for the past couple days, Mr. Irresistible.” 

He shifts to face you, “If we were put in that situation there’s no way I would crack first.” 

You give a sarcastic laugh. “Oh yes you would, I would win like it’s nothing.”

He crosses his arms. “Fine. You wanna make a bet? No sex till... Friday when everyone gets back.”

“And what do I get if I win?” You’re already plotting your victory.

“hmmmm... Loser has to be the other’s slave for an entire week.” 

You think about it for a second. Baekhyun’s slave for an entire week, It does sound intriguing. But then again, Baekhyun as your slave sounds even better. Besides, he’ll probably make you watch The Fast and Furious or something as punishment.

You go for a handshake, “Deal.”

He playfully smacks your hand, “But, teasing is okay. Just no sex. Period. Clean slate. No sex. No frick frack in the tick tack. No doin the nasty. Zero of the sexual intercourse. No...” 

“Alright Baek I get it.” You giggle, “I wish you the best of luck this week.”

“As with you. May the best man win.”  You two exchange a firm handshake and continue to watch you movie. Baekhyun can be the biggest tease in the world, you’ve learned that he knows just how to push your buttons all while looking innocent, but now it’s your turn.

You wake up before Baekhyun. The morning sun highlights his features as you stare up at him, “This is going to be a really fucking hard.” you silently tell yourself. Before you let your thoughts take over you, you shimmy out of Baek’s grasp and head to the bathroom. You begin to get ready, if you’re going to win, you have to look as hot as possible. 

With curled hair, some light makeup, and only panties along with one of Baek’s dress shirts you managed to sneak out of his luggage, you start to cook up some breakfast. 

A sleepy and messy-haired Baekhyun emerges from the bedroom after about ten minutes and wraps his arms around you, hugging you from behind. 

“Good morning” His morning voice fills your ears as he kisses your neck.

“Hungry?” You flip the pancakes once more and put them on two separate plates along with some turkey bacon and toast.

When you turn around, Baekhyun looks at you with a heavy gaze. “You look good in my shirt.” He licks his lips.

“I hope you don’t mind I didn’t have any...uh... clean clothes.” Holy shit. You’re kind of terrible at this.

He laughs at your awkwardness and takes the plate with a small thank you for making breakfast. 

This is gonna be harder than you thought.

Its been a whole morning of you prancing around in your underwear, and Baekhyun hasn’t even taken a second look at you. You even cheesily dropped something ‘by accident’ in front of him and picked it up, ass for him to see. And yet still nothing.

When you’re finally about to go change into some pants because your legs are actually freezing, you see Baekhyun go to sit on the couch. This is your moment.

Walking till you’re standing in front of him, you move the remote control off his lap and take a seat, watching how he tenses at the sudden contact.

“Baek I’m bored.” You pout and place your hands on his chest, tracing his pecks with your fingertips. 

“Well what would you...” You shift your hips only an inch, but his breath hitches in his throat. “like to do?”

You smirk, “I don't know. Is anything you would like to do?” You kiss his cheek, and then his jaw, and then right below his ear. You could feel his chest raise and fall beneath your hands.

Suddenly something clicked in his head, “I see what you’re doing, and it’s not going to work.”

You put on your most innocent face, “What do you mean?”

His hands find themselves on your thighs, making you tense a little. “You’re not going to win sweetheart.” He makes sure to kiss your collarbone amidst his sentence, his thumbs rubbing circles into your thighs.

Shit. His hands start to linger around your inner thighs, his pointer finger knuckle just so ‘accidentally’ brushing your clit through your underwear. Your breath is in your throat as you try to fight the urge to just sit on his cock right now. 

“What’s the matter baby? Am I making you frustrated?” He smirks and does it again, this time a whimper escapes your lips. “That’s what I thought.” 

Before you lose yourself in desire you shift off his lap onto the couch next to him. You reach over his lap to grab the remote, pressing your palm flat against him till you reach the device, you can see his fist clench. “Oh sorry,” you press your hand down against him as you bring your hand back toward yourself, “just needed to grab the remote.”

About an hour and some comfy pants later, you and Baekhyun are on your way to the grocery store. You both had decided that fried rice and steak sounded like the best possible dinner you could have, but you didn’t have any of the ingredients. 

Baekhyun’s right hand lays comfortably on your knee while his left drives. You sit on the passengers side and basically just stare at him, he looks so good. His dark hair is a fluffy mess, his lips and cheeks stained pink from the cold front that had moved in early this morning, and the black sweater he was wearing accentuated his broad shoulders, making his arms look extra good.

He must of noticed you staring because he giggled (fuck did I mention his smile, wow) and whispered “Mr. Irresistible.” Making you blush and look forward towards the road ahead of you.

The shopping trip was successful. You went in and out with everything you needed... and maybe a couple different snacks that just looked way too good to pass up. 

The entire time you were in the store, Baekhyun was being particularly touchy; Pressing up against you while looking for pop tarts surely caught you a little off guard. It wasn’t until you got back to the car Baekhyun went full tease mode. The hand that found itself on your knee while driving traveled upwards, your legs instinctively opening when his fingers reached your center. You held onto the door handle for dear life when his hand made its what beneath the hem of your sweatpants, avoiding dipping into your panties.

“Wh... wh... what are you doing?” 

His fingers didn’t move, they just cupped your clothed core. “What? We said no fucking. And this isn’t that now is it?” A devilish smirk came upon his lips as he could feel just how wet you were getting from his touch.

Before you knew it he pulled the car onto the side of the road, and then you were being lifted onto his lap. 

His lips danced along the expanse of your neck, his cock hard beneath his sweats, roughly pressing into your open legs. You moan as his hands find their way to your ass.

“Baekhyun.”

You could feel the smirk on his face as he looks up at you, “Yes princess?”

You press your lips together to stop you from saying what you really want.

Baekhyun’s hands find their way back into your pants and start to rub your clit in circles through your panties. Gasping you shut your eyes.

“Come on y/n. Give in.”

Authors Note: Thank you for reading! If you have any requests or suggestions for later chapters, feel free to message me or leave them in my ask box. 

I tried to make this chapter a little longer for those who were requesting I do so, let me know what you think and stay cool my brotein shakes B)

[a-simple-imagine]

Say Something

Requested by me: Demi’s too busy to go home with Y/N for the weekend and so she has to go alone. Then something bad happens

Pairing: Demi Lovato x fem!reader

A/N - This imagine means so much to me. I wrote it while listening to the song say something and I cried.

Part 2  Part 3

"I'm so glad to be home," I called, stretching my arms out as I walked through the front door. Y/N strolling in behind me.

"Thank you for dinner, Dem. It was lovely. We need to go there more often."

"We definitely do, that pasta was divine." I fell down onto couch cushion, glancing towards her with a warm. "Are you excited for tomorrow?"

"So excited. I really need this time away, I just wish you were coming with me." She shrugged a little.

"Yeah, I wish so too. Who's gonna provide me with all this witty banter huh?" Y/N took up the empty space next to me, head falling to my shoulder.

"Max, of course. He's gonna be your temporary girlfriend. I've taught him everything I know."

"It's so weird how close you are with my bodyguard. Plus, correct me if I'm wrong but he's a guy." I frowned.

"It's not weird, you're just jealous. And it doesn't matter if he's a guy. He's gonna be your temporary girlfriend."

"I'm not, it's just really fucking weird."

"It is not. And can't you just skip out on the concerts or meet and greets or... whatever it is you're doing and come with me?" Y/N whined, her bottom lip stuck out in a pout.

"Nope. I could never leave my fans hanging like that."

"Never?"

"No, never," I confirmed making Y/N chuckle.

"Not even this once? For me?"

I shook my head a little and she sighed. "Fine. Then all your attention has to be on me tonight. No twitter. No Instagram. No fans. No phone at all. Just us cuddling up and watching a movie, okay? And if you're good, I may just treat you in bed later"

"What kind of treat?" I asked, a smirk on clear display but she just shrugged.

"Guess you'll have to be good to find out. Now, phone please."

Holding out her hand I placed my phone in her palm before shoving her off me. "I'll go make popcorn. You put on a movie."

Raising to my feet, I wandered off into the kitchen. Collecting a box of microwave popcorn out of one of the cupboards.

"What movie do you wanna watch?" Y/N shouted.

"I don't mind put on whatever."

"Wow! You're so helpful, really. Thank you so much."

I chucked as I opened up the box to pull out one of the sachets.

"Seriously though, what should I put on? Horror? Comedy? Drama? Oh, look Fifty Shades-"

"Don't put on that shit!" I interrupted loudly.

"It's not shit. It's a quality movie and it might put us in the mood."

"It's complete shit. It's basically porn, not that there is anything wrong with porn. If you wanna watch porn go for it but put on something good." I placed the sachet in the microwave and set the timer. The device springing to life to heat up the kernels.

"It's not porn. It's a quality movie and if you look past all the sex and focus on the story, it's actually rather interesting."

"You literally just said it might put us in the mood hence, it's about sex."

"It's not but whatever- can you hurry up, please? Some of us have to be up early to go to the airport." Y/N groaned.

"I can't make it cook faster." I rolled my eyes despite knowing she clearly wasn't able to see me. I grabbed a glass bowl, from the cupboard below placing it on the counter.

"Sure you can, make the microwave work better."

"Okay, I'll get right on that you weirdo."

As the microwave dinged, I yanked open the door. Grabbing the edge of the bag and ripping it open. The smell was amazing. Popping a piece into my mouth before pouring the contents into the bowl.

"Hurry up Demi, God." At this point, I was already carrying the bowl of popcorn into the room.

"I'm here, chill. So what movie did you decide on?"

"Fifty Shades-"

"Urgh, I don't wanna watch Fifty Shades of Grey." I groaned. Falling back onto the couch, I lifted my legs to rest them over Y/N's lap.

"Lucky for you this is Fifty shades Darker then, huh?" She shoved my legs off her.

"Same thing," I argued putting my legs back up and placing the bowl on top of them so she wouldn't shove them again.

"You said I could pick whatever I wanted, this is my night after all."

Shifting a little I got myself comfortable to watch this god-awful movie. It wasn't all bad though, I enjoyed when we just spent time together doing simple things like this. And with her trip coming up tomorrow, it was a nice way to send her off.

"So you know how this movie is full of sex. Are they're really having sex or is it fake? I know some movies have real ones."

"Why would I know that?" She asked, her eyes locked on the screen.

"I don't know. Why wouldn't you?"

"I'm not an expert on Fifty Shades of Grey."

"This is Fifty Shades Darker, actually." I fired back, chuckling to myself. I saw a hint of a smile on her lips too as I glanced towards her. Our evening was filled with small talk, laughter and I continuously throwing popcorn at Y/N every time a sex scene took place.

"Are you gonna come to the airport with me in the morning?"

"And miss valuable time in bed? Bitch, no. Go alone."

"Cute. I know I asked but I was just being polite. You're coming." Y/N stated.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"If you had a concert at the same time I had to be at the airport would you skip the concert?"

I rolled my eyes. "Stop being jealous of my fans."

"I'm not jealous. You just said you wouldn't miss it for the world, which, is a lie."

A groan slipped past my lips. "You're so annoying."

"Am not."

"You're literally the definition of annoying. Look it up in the dictionary and there will be a picture of you."

"Just for that, you can play with yourself in bed tonight."

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Great. My hands are better anyway."

A gasp sounded from Y/N. "You take that back."

"Only if you can prove I'm wrong." I cocked a brow and she smiled.

"You're on." With that, she shoved my legs off her and stood.

"Last one there is a rotten egg." She began running towards the bedroom.

"That's not fair,"  I called, stumbling as I tried to get up and chase after her.

"Then sue me, bitch."

"Can I sue you for how bad you are in bed? I'd win that case hands down." I quipped.

"You can bet your ass I'm about to prove you wrong."

Running into the bedroom just behind Y/N. She lay triumphantly on the bed, a mischievous glint in her eye. "I win"

"Because you cheated."

"Don't lie just because you're a loser, Demi. There were no rules so therefore I never cheated."

I climbed onto the bed, pushing her so she lay on her back before moving so I hovered over her. "Cheater."

"I never cheated. Where is your proof?"

I hesitated. "I saw you do it."

She shrugged a playful smirk on her lips. "Proof? If you can't prove it, it's not true."

Leaning down, I placed my lips against hers. Trailing kisses towards her ear. "Cheater," I whispered and she pushed me to the side.

"You're just a sore loser." Shuffling up the bed, Y/N lay her head on the pillow. I followed behind and slipped my arms around her. My hand inching its way lower and lower.

"I'm supposed to be proving you wrong." She chuckled.

"You'll get your chance, don't worry. I just gotta show you how good I am first." I placed a soft kiss on the back of her neck.

"Trust me. I already know how good you are."

It wasn't much but I repeated felt a poking in my side. A distant voice calling my name. I tossed over in my bed. It must be morning. "Just 5 more minutes, mommy."

"Did you just call me, Mommy?" I heard a soft chuckle which slowly brought me to full consciousness. I was nothing short of exhausted.

"Demi has a mommy kink. Demi has a mommy kink." Y/N sing-songed in my ear. On her hands and knees, she bounced up and down on the bed."

"I do not, go away. I'm trying to sleep."

"You have to get up. We're going the airport, remember."

"I think I distinctly remember saying bitch, no. Go alone" I groaned although I was only teasing. I buried my head further into my pillow but she continued to bounce next to me.

"That's mommy to you."

"Oh my god! I don't have a mommy kink." I sat up, hitting her softly with my pillow.

"I'll go make breakfast. You get dressed and then mommy expects a ride to the airport."

A loud groan slipped past my lips while Y/N just chuckled as she went back downstairs leaving me to get ready for the day. After breakfast, we drove up to the airport. I helped get her bag out the back as she eagerly waited. Rolling her suitcase she took it and smiled. "Well... I guess this is goodbye."

"Until next time, my love." I tapped her gently on the nose.

"Who said I'm coming back?"

"Oh, well we've had a good run. I guess Max is officially my girlfriend now." I shrugged.

"Have a happy life with Max, Demi. You will not be missed."

"Liar."

"Obviously." She placed both hands against my cheeks before connecting our lips. "I'm gonna miss you so much."

"I know you will," I smirked.

"Are you sure I can't convince you to come along?"

I shook my head. "Next time, now go."

"I love you."

"Love you too. Don't forget to call." She smiled before walking off towards the doors. I gave her a quick wave before she disappeared inside. A small sigh left my lips. It was only a few weeks and then she'd be back. As I walked back to my car, my phone began to ring. Pulling it out, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Answering, I put the phone to my ear.

"I miss you."

Instantly I hung up and got in my car, not wanting to deal with her. I knew she wouldn't be offended, at least I'd be surprised if she was. The rest of my day was pretty chill and she left me alone. Apart from the message to confirm she'd arrived safely. And the millions of Snapchats, she thought I just had to see. I sent her a few texts in between meeting fans and my actual show but nothing major. I was busy. Y/N would understand that. As I lay in bed I sent her a snapchat telling her I miss her too before nestling into my lonely bed.

With such a big job comes a hectic lifestyle but after a morning interview, I called Y/N.

"Hey, babe."

"Demi, so nice if you to call. How's life with your new girlfriend?"

I hesitated, a little confused before I realised what she was referring to. "Oh, max is great too. Kelsey said it should have been her tho."

"Tell Kelsey she can be Max's replacement. Are you enjoying the peace and quiet without me?"

I raised my shoulders in a shrug despite knowing she couldn't see me. "It's so nice not having someone nagging down my ear every five minutes. How's your trip going?"

"It's good. I'm having fun actually. I never realised how much I missed my family."

A smile spread over my lips. "I'm glad you're having fun, baby girl. My schedule is hectic right now. I just about found time to call."

"You're always busy so I understand If you can't find the time. You didn't have to call, y'know."

"No, I wanted to. If you can't annoy me in person, may as well do it over the phone." I chuckled.

"I miss you too." I could almost sense she was rolling her eyes at me.

"I gotta go actually, I've got another interview to do. I will text you later though."

"You better."

This time I was rolling my eyes. "We'll see. Bye Y/N."

"See you later. Love you."

"Love you too." I hung up and went about my day. I was really starting to regret not going with her. I could do with the time off and I'd never actually met her family. She'd met mine. Her presence in my life was huge. That much was evident but her life still seemed like such a mystery to me. My phone pinged and as I could have probably guessed it was a snapchat from Y/N. Opening it up, it was a picture of her laying down with her arms wrapped around a black and white Great Dane. The caption reading 'nap time' I took a screenshot. Only to be hit with a message. Don't screenshot my snaps, bitch. I couldn't help but laugh. I wrote back asking about the dog. I got a video reply.

"This is my parents' dog, Max. Say hi Max." The dog barked and Y/N just smiled, waving the dogs paw.

It was really cute and I couldn't resist watching it again. As we arrived at our next destination, I sighed. I don't know why I missed her so much it'd only been like 2 days. But those two days slowly became three. Then four. Then a week. We didn't even talk that much. I had far too much to do and she didn't seem to be harassing me as much. Though I did get a lot of pictures of Max. It was only a few days until she was coming back now and I was really looking forward to seeing her again. I stood backstage listening to the crowd for tonight show. They sound excited which was great because it was exactly how I felt. Excited. I loved performing. Watching their faces light up. Hearing hundreds of people sing my songs back to me. It's an unreal experience every single time. I had about an hour before I was actually going on though. I just wanted to get a feel of the atmosphere in the room. I felt a vibration in my back pocket and pulled out my phone thinking it was Y/N. it wasn't. It wasn't anyone I knew, I didn't recognise the number. I lifted the phone to my ear. My head tilted a little because I didn't recognise. Kelsey stood next to me, looking utterly confused. As they spoke, it was almost like the entire world around me just stopped. My chest tightened as I struggled to breathe. My iPhone slipping from my hands. Kelsey collected it now probably even more confused. I stared at her as she took over the phone call. I heard her apologise for me and said nothing despite feeling an apology wasn't necessary. My whole world just felt like it was falling down around me and she was apologising. I was frozen. I didn't know what to do.

"Demi." Kelsey stood before me, shaking me a little.

"Cancel the show."

"Already done. I know you are in shock but you can't just keep standing here. Come on."

She wrapped her arms around me as she lead the way back to the dressing room. The next couple of hours felt like a lifetime. The world around me still frozen in time. I knew I had gotten on a plane. I knew my team was with me. But none of it felt real. This had to be a dream. I was hoping I'd wake up any second. When I finally seemed to calm down I was in a hospital. Sat in a chair as Kelsey talked to someone behind a desk. Max sat next to me. I watch people pass us by, not even batting an eyelid at the celebrity sat casually waiting. They had bigger concerns. This was a hospital after all.

"Demi?"

There was a moment I thought it would be a fan. It wasn't. I mean she could be but she wasn't stood before me because she was a fan. She looked just like her and at that moment I knew who she was. And as she introduced herself to me my thought was confirmed. It was Y/N mother.

"I-it's nice to meet you." I wiped my eyes and sat up straighter trying to look as presentable as possible. Although it looked like she had been crying.

"I wish it had been under better circumstances." Her head dropped a little. "We thought we should call you but we never imagined you'd get here so fast."

"Can you tell me what happened? Like actually happened." I knew it was hard for her. And she probably already told me over the phone but I zoned out rather quickly. She seemed to hesitate. "It's okay if you don't want to."

"It's fine. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too so it's just a little difficult. Apparently, it was a simple hit and run. She was driving home and a car swerved into her, they assume the other driver was under the influence but it can't be confirmed since they don't know who did it. They going to continue the investigation."

"A-and Y/N?"

"She's stable now but she's out cold. They're- they're..." she trailed off, tears descending down her cheeks. I didn't know what to do and so I hugged her. It was a little awkward considering we'd never met before but It was my first instinct.

"Can I see her?" I mumble softly and she pulled back from the embrace. A simple nod and she lead the way. I glanced towards the others and they smiled softly. I wasn't sure I were ready for this but I had to see her. I actually felt sick. Like I wanted to run out of the hospital. Her mother held the door open for me and I couldn't bring myself to step through. I was scared of what lay beyond that door. Y/N's mother must have sensed my doubt.

"It's gonna be okay, Demi."

I looked at her and she smiled softly too. Everyone seemed to think smiling was so reassuring but honestly, it just made me feel worse. With a deep breathe I walked inside. There she was. Lying motionless in the bed. Bandaged up and hooked up to machines. I stared at her. My heart aching. Up until this moment, it had all been like bad dream but this made it real. That was Y/N. The girl who had done nothing but send hundreds of snapchats to me so I could experience her trip. The girl who called me five minutes after leaving my side to tell me she missed me. My fucking girlfriend. I no longer felt sad. I was... angry. Someone did this to her and I wasn't sure we'd ever know who. Someone was probably going to get away with this. I felt someone place one arm around me, slowly rubbing up and down on my arm.

"They're not sure when or even if she's gonna wake up." Her mother told me slowly. I didn't respond. I couldn't. How do you even respond to the news that someone you love may never wake up. It hurt a lot. And yet I was emotionless. The room was mostly silent. Neither of us said anything. I didn't say anything till I left that room and Kelsey asked about her. In which I said she was fine. She wasn't fine though, It was just my first response. After what I'm told was hours in the hospital I was sat in a hotel room being told I needed to eat. I wasn't hungry. I didn't want to do anything. I couldn't get the image of Y/N laying in that bed out of my head. There was no way to know what would happen next. I thought back to the time we first met. She'd always been a cocky son of a bitch but I liked that. Most people when they meet me act a certain way and it's not snarky remarks or playful jokes. We became fast friends. I'm not sure when the lines blurred but I'm glad they did. I love her. I remember our first kiss during the fireworks show at Disney World. The first time she said I love you as she lay in my bed sick. And now she may never say anything ever again. She may never be able to drag me all over Disney world to get to Stitch. I dismissed the people in my hotel room, wanting to be alone. The best thing for me was to sleep because I wanted nothing more than to forget this awful day. I lay awake most of the night. I couldn't help it and it never got easier. Day after day. I'd visit her but her condition never changed. If this hadn't happened right now we would be laying in bed together. Our arms wrapped around each other. She'd probably talk my ear off too. I had to go back to work soon, It wasn't healthy just sitting around worrying. It had been two weeks. She was due home a little under two weeks ago as well.

Today before going to the hospital I called Y/N's parents and asked if I could talk to them. Of course, they said yes and told me the address. I got a taxi over but as I looked at the house I felt nervous. Walking to the door, I knocked a couple times. I was met by barking as well as a smiling face. Y/N's mom invited me inside and it was weird. Weird that I was experiencing this without her. As I walked through the hall I glanced across family photos and nicknacks. I stopped to look at a small photo frame that had a picture of a little girl in. She was smiling brightly as she hugged a plush stitch- clearly that obsession never went away.

"I always loved that picture." Her mother called and I smiled.

"She was an adorable kid. A lover of stitch, I see."

"She used to take that thing everywhere, I couldn't even get her to let it go of it for school."

"Nice to see she hasn't changed much. Still a Disney lover."

Her mother chuckled. "I doubt that's ever gonna change. Would you like anything to drink, my dear?"

I shook my head as I walked into the living room, I was met by their horse of a dog. He was huge. He lay casually in the middle of the floor. "I'm guessing this guy is, Max?"

"He is." I looked to the voice as it didn't sound anything like her mother. That was because it was who I assumed would be her father. He was sat in an armchair, reading. "He's a big softie so don't worry."

I crouched onto the balls of my feet and ran my hand across the dog. Trouble was he stood up and now I was smaller than the dog as he excitedly tried to jump on me. I struggled to rise to my feet as her parents told max to stop. Even as I stood the dog was massive.

"Do you have any pets, Demi?" Y/N's father asked.

"Oh! I have two dogs but they're just Yorkipoos so they're tiny compared to Max."

"Yeah, well, Max is just gigantic even for a Great Dane he is a little big. Anyway, I was told there was something you wanted to talk to us about?"

I looked to him and gave him a nod. And went to sit down. "Yeah, it's my last day in town."

"Oh!" Y/N's mother appeared and I suddenly felt really anxious. She leaned against a wall, eyes locked on me. "It's a shame, we'd love to have got to see a bit more of you."

"I've got to get back to work sadly but I just wanted to thank you. You didn't have to call me at all but I'm glad you did. I'm also thankful for all the support you've shown me."

"We did have to call you. You're dating our daughter after all so you had a right to know where she was." Her father stated.

"Y/N would not stop talking about you for the duration of her trip. It was a shame you didn't come with her although if you had there is a chance you'd be in that hospital too."

My head dropped. For some reason, I felt rather guilty. Like if I had come along things would have been different but of course, there is no way to know that.

"You really must have loved her to drop everything to come to see if she was okay. So the least we could do was make sure you were okay and felt comfortable. You make Y/N very happy, Demi and we couldn't ask for more."

It was odd to hear complete strangers compliment me on such a deep level. "I love her a lot. She changed my life for the better and I've been a little distant since the accident. But just sitting around worrying isn't going to help. I'm gonna go see her before I leave."

"I'm sure she'll like the company." Her mother stated, sipping on her tea.

"Would you mind just keeping me in the loop of what's going on?"

"Of course." Her dad confirmed, a warm smile spreading over her lips. After that, I didn't know what to say. It was awkward for a minute and I watched Max return to his original spot on the floor. Her mother ended up showing me old pictures. Y/N really was a cute kid. Who loved to dress up. I wonder if that's still true. After my goodbyes, I headed for the hospital to basically say goodbye to Y/N. I could never quite get used to the idea that she was there but I was a lot less hesitant about coming. My team had been seen her once or twice too. I was alone this time and I headed straight for her room. Nothing had changed since the last time I was here. Y/N still lay in the bed. Machines beeping. Flowers and balloons dotted around the room. I pulled the solo chair closer to her bed to take a seat and just watched her for a moment. It still hurt to see her like this and being alone with her made it worse. I could already feel myself about to cry but that was probably due to the fact I wouldn't be coming back tomorrow. This could very well be the last time I see her. I was praying it wouldn't be. I took hold of one of her hands. It was warm. I glanced to the door as if scared someone was about to come in. With a deep breath, I knew I had to say something.

"Hey, baby girl. It's Demi. Its been over two weeks since you last annoyed me and I gotta go back home now. Our home. To think I actually cancelled a show to come see you. I would have loved to see your face when I told you that. You always were a little jealous of my fans. I don't know why since we were dating but I guess it couldn't be helped. It was kinda cute actually. I miss that now. I just..." I trailed off as I felt a few stray tears start their descent down my cheeks. "I'm just sorry this happened to you. You don't deserve it. Not that anyone else did but it's so unfair that you're here while the rest of us just go on like nothing has happened. The driver who did this gets to go on like he didn't ruin your life. Like they haven't hurt so many people. It's crazy to think about. It's sad to think about. It hurts a lot. I really fucking miss you. I come here every day and just pray that you'll wake up. And I know this isn't necessarily goodbye but it feels like it is. It hurts like it is. It hurts so fucking much that I have to go." I started to sob. I couldn't help it. In all my time here I'd never really cried just a few odd tears but now felt different. It felt like I was giving up on her when all I was doing was going back to work. I brought her hand up slowly and gently kissed it. "I really love you Y/N. It's ridiculous how much I love you and I think I've known since the day we met. There was always something about you. I think everyone around us knew too. And I can't handle them taking you away from me. I know it's selfish but I'm not ready for this to be the last time. I'm not ready to say goodbye. I-I just... I need you to wake up. I need you to tell me to stop crying like a big baby. That all this worrying is gonna give me frown lines. Heck, I'd even take you saying I have a mommy kink. I just need you. I'm trying not to give up hope but it's hard to come here every day and see that nothing has changed. You don't seem to be getting better and it's annoying because I can't do anything. I can't just make this better. I got to meet your parents though. And Max of course. They were really nice to me, especially the dog. He's huge by the way, I could probably ride him like a horse. I also got to see pictures of you when you were little, according to your parents you were quite the handful. Still are, aren't you? And your obsession with Stitch, where did that even come from? You'll have to tell me when you come back to me. 'Cause you wouldn't leave me, right? Not before we've lived our lives. We're gonna grow old together and I don't know, raise Great Danes." I chuckled through my sobbing. I couldn't stop the tears and I didn't want to. It was finally hitting me. "You'd probably like that. And we've still got so many more adventures to go on. Who's gonna go see Fifty Shades Freed with me, huh? It's gotta be you so you can appreciate the story. I don't care if I'm being selfish I need you, Y/N. I need you to not give up. I am head over heels in love with you and it's scary but wonderful and I don't want it to end. So  can you just please... say something."